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    Understanding Acute Flaccid Myelitis

    Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) is an infectious neurological condition that can cause severe paralysis in children.

    Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a rare condition that primarily affects children and results in paralysis of a portion or the entirety of a single limb, arm or leg.

    This condition occurs as a complication of a viral infection in which the virus attacks the spinal cord and destroys the gray matter (the part that is the source of the nerves that provide movement to the limb). It can involve more than one limb (e.g. both arms or rarely all four limbs) but more often is just one arm. This condition has been on the rise in recent years.
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      AFM is a “polio-like” condition that appears to be related to a viral infection. If fact, more than 90% of patients have a mild respiratory illness of fever before the development of the more serious effects. If your child develops sudden weakness, you should seek medical care immediately. There have now been about 600 documented cases in the United States. With an increasing incidence, there were 238 cases last year alone. Onset in most patients was between the months of August and October. At this time there are no specific measures that experts are aware of that can help prevent the condition.

      AFM is a lower motor neuron paralysis. It is similar in many respect to a brachial plexus injury root avulsion in that we cannot reconnect to the original nerve because it is no longer available. The mainstay of treatment for this condition is surgery. Milder forms of the condition can recover function over time, but severe cases will not recover sufficient function without surgical intervention. Because there is no source nerve, nerve transfers are the primary treatment. We must identify with nerve testing which nerves are the least affected and which are the most affected. We will then design a nerve transfer strategy to recover the most critical functions in that limb. Because this is a lower motor neuron injury, time is of the essence. Surgery undertaken by three months is more effective that that undertaken after nine months.

      Similar to brachial plexus injuries, there are still options if you have missed this window of opportunity. Tendon transfers and muscle transplants can still provide an opportunity to recovery lost function and a better quality of life.

      If you or a loved one is suffering from AFM, contact the Paralysis Center right away for a consultation.

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      Bring someone along to the consultation with you. Supporting you, asking questions and assisting you with everything discussed.

      Get The Most From Your Visit

      When you arrive, take note of your diagnosis, medication, treatments and tests. Also write down any new instructions given to you.

      Get The Most From Your Visit

      Make sure you’re aware of the reasons why new medicine and/or treatments have been prescribed, and any such side effects.

      Get The Most From Your Visit

      When discussing your condition with your specialist, make sure you ask the appropriate questions around other treatments available.

      Get The Most From Your Visit

      When you visit, please make sure you’re aware of the reasons why a test or procedure is recommend, and what the results could mean.

      Get The Most From Your Visit

      It’s important to be aware of what you could expect should you decide to not take the recommended medicines, tests or procedures.

      Get The Most From Your Visit

      If you’re asked to have a follow-up appointment with your specialist, make sure to write down the date, time and purpose of the visit.

      Get The Most From Your Visit

      Once you leave, it’s vitally important you know how to contact your paralysis specialist, should you have any questions.

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      I just recovered the ability to dress myself – that was a big thing! I can get my own shirt on, can get my hands above my head – that was huge for me, and really changed my whole outlook.
      Davis – Patient
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