Condition
Pediatric Acute Flaccid Myelitis
What You Need to Know
Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a rare – but serious – condition that affects the nervous system.Key Symptoms
The most common symptoms of acute flaccid myelitis are sudden onset of arm or leg weakness, loss of muscle tone and loss of reflexes.
Diagnosis
Doctors typically diagnose acute flaccid myelitis by reviewing a patient’s medical history, examining their nervous system and performing an MRI to view pictures of the spinal cord.
Treatment
Physical and occupational therapy helps with arm or leg weakness, and antivirals or immunoglobulin can help the body fight off the virus and reduce neuroinflammation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is acute flaccid myelitis?
What causes acute flaccid myelitis?
What are symptoms of acute flaccid myelitis?
How is acute flaccid myelitis diagnosed?
What are the treatments for acute flaccid myelitis?
How do you prevent acute flaccid myelitis infection?
Providers Who Treat Acute Flaccid Myelitis
Departments that Treat Acute Flaccid Myelitis
Infectious Diseases
Our Division of Infectious Diseases is the major referral center for infectious diseases in the Washington, D.C., area, helping thousands of patients each year, and actively promoting prevention through community outreach and education.
Diagnostic Imaging and Radiology
The Division of Diagnostic Imaging and Radiology has a team of expert physicians, board-certified pediatric radiologists, technologists, pediatric anesthesiologists and nurses, specially trained to provide pediatric radiology services for infants, children and adolescents.
Neurology
Our pediatric neuroscience team is the largest in the country, allowing us to offer our vast experience to patients and families.