Acute Flaccid Myelitis

What is acute flaccid myelitis (AFM)?
Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a rare neurological disease that follows an infection from a common enterovirus. It affects the nervous system, specifically the area of the spinal cord called gray matter, which causes the muscles and reflexes in the body to become weak, often leading to paralysis. Some recovery is possible, but few individuals see a full recovery. More information about AFM may be found on the CDC’s website: https://www.cdc.gov/acute-flaccid-myelitis/about-afm.html 

What is the prevalence of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM)?
In 2018, 233 AFM cases occurred across the United States.

How is acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) diagnosed?
AFM is diagnosed by reviewing a patient’s medical history along with examining their nervous system and reviewing pictures of the spinal cord. An MRI may be used, as well as lab tests on the cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid around the brain and spinal cord) and/or a check of nerve conduction (impulse sent along a nerve fiber) and response. AFM can be difficult to diagnose because it shares many of the same symptoms as other neurologic diseases.

Is there any specific gene/pathway in acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) that has been identified?
Coxsackievirus A16, EV-A71, and EV-D68 have been detected in the spinal fluid of a small number of patients with AFM. For all other patients, no pathogen (germ) has been detected in spinal fluid to confirm a cause.

How is acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) treated?
There is no specific treatment for AFM, but a clinician who specializes in treating brain and spinal cord illnesses (neurologist) may recommend certain interventions on a case-by-case basis. For example, neurologists may recommend physical or occupational therapy to help with arm or leg weakness caused by AFM. Physical rehabilitation might improve long-term outcomes if implemented during the initial phase of illness.

Are there any clinical trials underway for acute flaccid myelitis (AFM)?
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has not completed any clinical trials for AFM. Currently, there is one clinical trials underway for the condition. More information on future studies and patient recruitment can be found here: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03499366?cond=acute+flaccid+myelitis&draw=2&rank=1

How can RareShare be helpful to acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) patients and families?
The acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) Rareshare community has 0 members. There are currently 0 active discussions underway. However, new discussions can help to connect patients, health workers, caregivers and families interested in AFM and provide them continual access to community resources.

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