Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a condition wherein certain muscles and reflexes weaken due to uncommon and severe neurological issues. Due to this condition, the gray matter in your central nervous system becomes swollen. Since the gray matter regulates movement, AFM disturbs its normal functioning and affects your ability to carry out daily tasks. Keep reading to learn more about the warning signs of acute flaccid myelitis and how to manage the condition.

Warning signs and symptoms
The onset of the condition’s symptoms can take a few hours or days. Acute flaccid myelitis symptoms include the sudden start of-

• Weakness in the legs or arms
• Muscle tone loss
• Loss of reflexes (areflexia)
• Loss of balance and coordination

Other warning signs of the condition include-

• Eye movement problems or drooping eyelids
• Muscular weakness or drooping facial skin
• Swallowing troubles
• Slurred speech
• Discomfort in your neck, back, arms, or legs
• Bowel or bladder problems

Your upper limbs are most often affected by AFM, though it can impact any or all of your limbs. The condition can sometimes harm the breathing muscles. It is an alarming sign necessitating a health expert’s attention as it can lead to respiratory failure, which can be life-threatening. Symptoms to watch out for include-

• Shallow, rapid breathing
• Extreme drowsiness and lethargy
• Restlessness

If you or your child shows these symptoms of acute flaccid myelitis, consult a health expert immediately for prompt treatment.

Causes
The exact cause of acute flaccid myelitis is unknown, but researchers believe the factors listed below play a crucial role in developing the condition.

• Viruses, particularly non-polio enteroviruses, are a key contributor. Before developing AFM, most patients had a fever or a mild respiratory infection (like the common cold).
• According to researchers and healthcare professionals, many instances of AFM have been linked to enterovirus D68 and enterovirus A71. During summer and autumn, enterovirus D68 circulates in the country, often leading to a respiratory disorder.

Diagnosis
Since AFM is uncommon and shares symptoms with other neurological conditions like transverse myelitis and Guillain-Barré syndrome, it might be hard to diagnose. Your doctor will inquire about your issues and health background. They usually conduct or suggest several tests to help diagnose AFM and rule out other conditions. These tests include-

• Physical examination
• Neurologic examination
• An MRI of your brain and spinal cord will be advised to check for changes in the gray matter, as this is the most helpful tool for diagnosing AFM.
• Spinal tap to examine the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) for inflammation
• Nerve conduction studies and nerve response exams
• Tests for muscle response, such as electromyography

Prevention
Besides following common remedies, avoiding virus infections can lessen the risk of acute flaccid myelitis. Follow these instructions to help prevent having or spreading a viral infection to you:

• Wash your hands with soap and water frequently.
• Avoid touching your skin with dirty hands.
• Stay away from sick patients.
• Use a tissue to cover coughs and sneezes.
• Consult a healthcare professional if you are experiencing sudden muscle weakness in one or multiple limbs. AFM can develop rapidly and result in breathing problems.

If you or your child shows the symptoms of the condition, consult a health expert frequently to monitor the symptoms and receive treatment.

Treatment
Acute flaccid myelitis has no specific therapy. Instead, the goal of interventions is to manage symptoms. It’s best to consult a neurologist with the proper knowledge of diagnosing, treating, and researching AFM.

• With arm or leg weakness, physical therapy and occupational treatment can be helpful.
• On a case-by-case basis, neurologists usually suggest alternative therapies. For instance, in some AFM patients, peripheral nerve surgery to prevent muscular atrophy has been successful.
• Physical rehabilitation might enhance the long-term outlook if carried out in the initial stages of the condition.

AFM can affect the muscles involved in breathing, leading to respiratory failure and similar complications. Machines can assist with breathing for those facing severe breathing issues. A third of AFM patients need intubation and ventilation. The muscle weakness caused by the condition can sometimes progress to permanent paralysis; therefore, one must always watch out for the symptoms. AFM can also lead to severe neurologic issues like changes in body temperature, unstable blood pressure, and irregular heartbeat, which can all be life-threatening. Therefore, you should immediately seek a health expert’s attention if you or your child experiences symptoms like sudden muscle weakness. Furthermore, maintain a healthy lifestyle in a stress-free environment and practice a daily exercise routine to avoid symptoms.