Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) is a serious neurological disease. It is a rare condition that affects the spinal cord and leads to sudden weakness of the muscle and poor reflexes, resulting in paralysis. The problem occurs majorly in children, leading to temporary or permanent loss of body movement. Additionally, the disease can even lead to respiratory failure. Here is an in-depth look into the symptoms, causes, and treatment of AFM.

What it is
Acute Flaccid Myelitis(AFM) is a form of nervous system disorder that causes sudden weakness of the muscles of arms or legs and loss of muscle tone. The problem is identified mostly in younger children who are around five years of age; however, it can even occur in older children and adults. The visible symptoms of the disease comprise problems in moving the eyes and difficulty in speaking and swallowing. In some cases, patients may feel numbness or pain along the affected area. Furthermore, a few affected individuals may also suffer from respiratory system-related issues that can be life-threatening. Moreover, patients may have blood pressure instability and life-threatening alterations in body temperature. The disease, which was first recognized in the year 2014, can affect one or more limbs. Furthermore, the form of paralysis is asymmetrical, which means that it causes more harm on one side than the other. Moreover, the long terms effects of the disease tend to differ for each patient, while some may recover speedily, others may continue to have weakness in the muscle. The condition can be identified using magnetic resonance imaging and various other laboratory tests.

What causes it
The actual reason behind the occurrence of the disease is not yet known. Some of the postulates are as follows:

• According to some researchers, a viral infection can be the reason.
• Non-polio enteroviruses like enterovirus D68 are also said to be the most possible cause.
• Furthermore, others like enterovirus A71, adenovirus, and West Nile virus have been linked to the disease.
• Additionally, AFM can also occur as a result of an already-existing autoimmune disorder or exposure to harmful environmental toxins.

The condition, however, is not communicable, but the virus that causes it might be contagious. It mostly develops during the early fall and late summer, as this is the time when the viruses are known to be most active. The disease is known to affect male children more than females.

Treatment options
There is no particular treatment available for acute flaccid myelitis. However, early identification and supportive care can aid in managing the condition and keeping it under control. The treatment plan consists of taking care of the symptoms so that complications don’t arise later. Patients can undertake physical therapy, as it aids in building muscle strength and improves mobility. Furthermore, occupational therapy is also practiced to treat children and teach them how to do their everyday tasks like eating and dressing with restricted movement. People also opt for speech therapy for children who have trouble swallowing and talking.

In specific cases, the use of antiviral treatment methods has proven to help as it takes care of the underlying viral infection. Additionally, the use of certain management methods has worked toward lowering inflammation along the nervous system and spinal cord. Furthermore, the use of intravenous immunoglobin (IVIG) also aids in improving the immune system and fighting off viral infection.

Prevention
One of the speculated reasons for the development of acute flaccid myelitis is infection with enterovirus. They are very common and are known to cause moderate illness. However, the exact reason behind the occurrence of AFM is unknown, and therefore, it is difficult to make a specific action plan. But there are certain precautions that people can take to safeguard themselves against a virus attack, and these include the following:

• Wash hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds.
• Avoid visiting people who are sick.
• Stay updated about the new vaccinations recommended.
• Avoid touching the face with unwashed hands.
• Disinfect and clean mobile devices, doorknobs, and other regularly accessed objects.
• Use tissue paper while coughing or sneezing.
• Keep children at home when they are sick.
• Use insect repellants to avoid mosquito bites.
• Stay indoors during dawn and dusk, as the chances of getting an insect bite are very high during this period.
• Eliminate stagnant water present close to home to destroy the breeding grounds of mosquitoes.

Acute flaccid myelitis is an uncommon but life-threatening condition that can result in temporary or permanent paralysis. Early identification of the disease forms the key to preventing any kind of complications. Therefore, if any symptom mentioned above is noticed, it is important to get in touch with a medical practitioner immediately.