Overview
It can be difficult for healthcare providers to diagnose AFM, as it’s rare and resembles other neurological conditions, such as transverse myelitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome and polio.
Your provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They’ll likely perform or order several tests to help diagnose AFM and/or rule out other conditions. Tests include:
- Physical exam.
- Neurological exam.
- MRI of your spinal cord and brain to look for changes in the gray matter of your spinal cord. This is the most useful test for confirming AFM.
- Spinal tap to check cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) to look for signs of inflammation.
- Nerve response tests like nerve conduction studies.
- Muscle response tests like electromyography.
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Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.
The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.
Prevention
Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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