Acute Flaccid Myelitis: Patient Summary Form

Acute Flaccid Myelitis: Patient Summary Form is a 3-page legal document that was released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on December 12, 2019 and used nation-wide.

FAQ

Q: What is Acute Flaccid Myelitis?
A: Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) is a rare neurological condition that affects the spinal cord and can cause muscle weakness or paralysis.

Q: What are the symptoms of AFM?
A: Symptoms of AFM include sudden muscle weakness in the arms or legs, loss of muscle tone or reflexes, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Q: What causes AFM?
A: The exact cause of AFM is unknown, but it is often associated with viral infections, such as enteroviruses or adenoviruses.

Q: Who is at risk of getting AFM?
A: AFM mainly affects children, particularly those under the age of 18. The average age of AFM patients is around 5 years old.

Q: How is AFM diagnosed?
A: AFM is diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and laboratory tests on cerebrospinal fluid.

Q: Is there a treatment for AFM?
A: There is no specific treatment for AFM, but patients may receive supportive care such as physical therapy to manage symptoms and improve function.

Q: Can AFM be prevented?
A: Prevention measures for AFM are not well-established, but practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly, can help reduce the risk of viral infections.

Q: Is AFM contagious?
A: AFM itself is not contagious, but the viruses that can cause AFM, such as enteroviruses, can be spread through respiratory secretions or fecal-oral transmission.

Q: What is the prognosis for AFM?
A: The prognosis for AFM varies. Some patients may recover fully, while others may have long-term muscle weakness or paralysis.

Q: Is there ongoing research on AFM?
A: Yes, there is ongoing research on AFM to better understand its causes, develop treatments, and improve prevention strategies.