Cognitive Neuroscience 2020: Clarifying the diagnosis of Acute flaccid myelitis- Anna Jarrett- University of Arkansas, USA

Statement of the Problem: Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) is

a serious condition that primarily affects children. AFM is a

type of Acute flaccid paralysis, a global terms for AFM and

non-AFM etiologies. AFM is diagnosed by gray matter

abnormalities in the spinal cord on MRI, or pleocytosis in the

cerebral spinal fluid. AFM attacks spinal cord gray matter

resulting in lower motor neuron injury and flaccid weakness in

the extremities. Although the specific cause of most cases is

unknown, viruses, toxins and genetic disorders have been

implicated. Stopping the spread of viral infections is crucial to

preventing this potentially disabling disease. Simple prevention

measures to stress to all patients are: a) hand hygiene by

washing your hands, b) control respiratory droplets by

coughing/sneezing into your sleeve and then wash your hands,

c) stay current with your immunizations, and d) stay away from

those who are ill. Identifying patients with AFM is difficult. If

suspected, it is important to act quickly with the assistance of

local or state health departments in collaboration with the

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to determine

the causative factor. The CDC provides up-to-date information.

Treatment has been unsuccessful using conservative measures,

but there is hope for nerve transfer procedures in upper and

lower extremities using microsurgery techniques. This is an

unfolding story with more to come if this disease cannot be

controlled or eradicated.

 

Author(s): Anna Jarrett

Abstract | PDF

Share This Article