Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a rare neurological disorder that affects the spinal cord and can cause muscle weakness, paralysis, and even death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there have been approximately 500 cases of AFM in the United States since 2014. While the exact cause of AFM is still unknown, researchers believe it may be caused by an infection or environmental factor. It is important to be aware of the symptoms associated with this condition so that early diagnosis and treatment can be sought if necessary. 

Symptoms of Acute Flaccid Myelitis

The most common symptom associated with acute flaccid myelitis is sudden onset of limb weakness in one or more arms or legs. This may present as difficulty moving the affected limb(s), loss of strength in those limbs, decreased reflexes, and/or loss of sensation such as feeling “pins-and-needles” or numbness in those areas. Other symptoms may include: 

    • Facial droop/weakness 
    • Difficulty swallowing/slurred speech 
    • Drooping eyelids/double vision 
    • Inability to pass urine normally  

In some cases, patients may also experience fever, fatigue, headache, neck pain or stiffness prior to developing these neurological symptoms; however these are not considered diagnostic for AFM. Additionally, some patients do not experience any other symptoms before developing limb weakness which makes early detection difficult without careful monitoring for changes in motor function over time.  
It is important to note that while many people who develop acute flaccid myelitis will recover completely from their illness within weeks to months after diagnosis; others may have permanent disabilities due to nerve damage caused by this condition including paralysis and breathing difficulties due to weakened muscles around the chest wall. Therefore it is essential that anyone experiencing any combination of these symptoms seek medical attention immediately so they can receive prompt evaluation and treatment if needed.  

 Diagnosis & Treatment Options for Acute Flaccid Myelitis

Diagnosing acute flaccid myelitis requires a combination of tests including MRI scans (to look at spinal cord structure), electromyography (EMG) tests (to measure electrical activity produced by muscles), lumbar puncture (spinal tap) tests (to look at cerebrospinal fluid surrounding brain & spine), blood tests (looking for evidence virus infections). Once diagnosed with AFM your doctor will work with you on a personalized treatment plan which could include physical therapy exercises designed specifically for you as well as medications aimed at reducing inflammation around affected nerves & improving overall functioning abilities depending on severity level individual case presents itself with . Some doctors might suggest alternative treatments like acupuncture massage , yoga etc but again all options should always discussed between patient doctor beforehand ensure best possible outcome .  

 Preventing Acute Flaccid Myelitis Outbreaks              

While there isn’t currently a vaccine available against acute flaccid myelitis viruses causing outbreaks remain largely unknown , there are several steps individuals families take help prevent spread disease . These include washing hands regularly using soap water , avoiding close contact people who show signs respiratory illnesses , avoiding touching eyes nose mouth without first washing hands properly , disinfecting surfaces often especially ones used frequently like countertops door handles toys etc . Additionally individuals should get vaccinated against poliovirus which has been linked certain cases AFM delete . Finally staying up date current CDC guidelines regarding prevention infectious diseases general helps protect yourself loved ones from potential outbreaks diseases such polio West Nile virus Lyme disease etcetera .