Understanding Acute Flaccid Myelitis

Over the last few months, there has been an increase in new diagnoses of pediatric Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM). AFM is a condition causing damage to the spinal cord and generally presents with unique clinical and MRI features that are not typical of transverse myelitis. AFM abnormalities noted on MRI are predominantly found in the gray matter of the spinal cord. A link to the enterovirus (EV-D68) has been suspected in many of these cases. Whether the damage to the spinal cord is from viral infection, inflammation, or both, it is not yet proven. The predominant presentation is weakness that may affect the limbs, face, or eyes. AFM may result in total paralysis, partial paralysis, or weakness of just one limb. Some children have been diagnosed with an aggressive form of AFM.

Join us for a podcast on Acute Flaccid Myelitis with Dr. Benjamin Greenberg on November 16th, 2016 at 2:30 pm Eastern Time to learn more and ask your questions.