Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) Symptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More

Learn About Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM)

What is the definition of Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM)?

Acute flaccid myelitis is a rare neurological condition that affects the gray matter of the spinal cord, causing the body’s reflexes and muscles to weaken. Acute flaccid myelitis mainly occurs in children following a viral infection. Acute flaccid myelitis is considered to be a medical emergency.

Save information for later

What are the symptoms of Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM)?

Symptoms of acute flaccid myelitis can include sudden arm or leg weakness; loss of muscle tone and reflexes; drooping eyelids; weak eye muscles; facial weakness; difficulty swallowing; slurred speech; pain in neck, arms, or legs; numbness or tingling in arms or legs; respiratory failure; body temperature changes; unstable blood pressure; and an inability to urinate.

Not sure about your diagnosis?

Check Your Symptoms

What are the current treatments for Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM)?

Acute flaccid myelitis is considered to be a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment. Treatment for acute flaccid myelitis is individualized based on the symptoms. Treatment for acute flaccid myelitis may include physical or occupational therapy, immunoglobulin, corticosteroids, antiviral drugs, plasma exchange, mechanical ventilation, and surgery.

Who are the top Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) Local Doctors?

Dr. Kevin B. Messacar

Pediatric Infectious Disease | Infectious Disease

Elite

Highly rated in

conditions

Pediatric Infectious Disease
Infectious Disease

Childrens Hospital Colorado System

Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora

13123 E 16th Ave,

Aurora, CO

Kevin Messacar is a Pediatric Infectious Disease specialist and an Infectious Disease expert in Aurora, Colorado. Messacar has been practicing medicine for over 15 years and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM). He is also highly rated in 3 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM), Myelitis, Meningitis, and Roseola. Messacar is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Samuel R. Dominguez

Pediatric Infectious Disease | Infectious Disease

Elite

Highly rated in

conditions

Pediatric Infectious Disease
Infectious Disease

Childrens Hospital Colorado System

Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora

13123 E 16th Ave,

Aurora, CO

Samuel Dominguez is a Pediatric Infectious Disease specialist and an Infectious Disease expert in Aurora, Colorado. Dominguez has been practicing medicine for over 23 years and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM). He is also highly rated in 7 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM), Kawasaki Disease, Myelitis, and Meningitis. Dominguez is currently accepting new patients.

Learn about our expert tiers

Learn more

Dr. Sarah E. Hopkins

Neurology | Child Neurology | Gastroenterology

Elite

Highly rated in

conditions

Neurology
Child Neurology
Gastroenterology

Specialty Care & Surgery Center, Brandywine Valley

819 Baltimore Pike,

Glen Mills, PA

Sarah Hopkins is a Neurologist and a Child Neurologist in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania. Hopkins has been practicing medicine for over 19 years and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM). She is also highly rated in 2 other conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM), Cramp-Fasciculation Syndrome, DiGeorge Syndrome, and Hypotonia. Hopkins is currently accepting new patients.

View All Doctors

What are the latest Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) Clinical Trials?

Match to trials

Find the right clinical trials for you in under a minute

Get started

View All Clinical Trials

What are the Latest Advances for Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM)?