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

Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) Overview

Save information for later
Sign Up

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.
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?
Carlos A. Pardo
Elite in Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM)
Dr. Carlos A. Pardo
Neurology
Elite in Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM)
Dr. Carlos A. Pardo
Neurology

Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center

Baltimore, MD 
410-955-9441
Languages Spoken:
English, Spanish
See accepted insurances
Offers Telehealth

Dr. Pardo's interest in transverse myelitis centers on management of acute myelitis, biomarkers of the disease in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood, and the role of neuroimmune factors in the pathogenesis of myelopathies. Along with others neurologists and health care providers in the Johns Hopkins Transverse Myelitis Center, Dr. Pardo focuses on a comprehensive approach in the diagnosis and management of myelopathies, myelitis, neuroimmunological and neuroinfectious disorders. Dr. Pardo is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM). His top areas of expertise are Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM), Neurosarcoidosis, Transverse Myelitis, Zika Virus Disease, and Gastrostomy.

Elite in Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM)
Dr. Kevin Messacar
Infectious Disease
Elite in Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM)
Dr. Kevin Messacar
Infectious Disease

Children's Hospital Colorado

13123 E 16th Ave, 
Aurora, CO 
720-777-1234
Languages Spoken:
English
See accepted insurances

Kevin Messacar is an Infectious Disease provider in Aurora, Colorado. Dr. Messacar is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM). His top areas of expertise are Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM), Myelitis, Meningitis, and Roseola.

 
 
 
 
Learn about our expert tiers
Learn More
Elite in Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM)
Jelte Helfferich
Elite in Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM)
Jelte Helfferich
Groningen, GR, NL 

Jelte Helfferich practices in Groningen, Netherlands. Helfferich is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM). Their top areas of expertise are Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM), Myelitis, Cramp-Fasciculation Syndrome, and Transverse Myelitis.

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