Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a rare but serious neurological condition that impacts the spinal cord. The condition causes sudden weakness in the arms or legs, loss of reflexes, and loss of muscle tone.
The condition is similar to polio and mainly affects young children. It comes from a common cold virus. Patients will begin with respiratory-like symptoms, like a cough and fever, then develop AFM.
Treating conditions like AFM requires a high level of pediatric neurology and rehabilitation expertise. Healthcare providers, especially nurse practitioners trained through online NP programs, play a crucial role in supporting these children.
In severe cases, the condition can lead to respiratory failure and even life-threatening body temperature changes. AFM can also affect the breathing, neck, and belly muscles.
Statistics and Treatment
Experts began tracking acute flaccid myelitis following initial clusters in 2014, and the Center for Disease Control recognised the condition in the same year. In the past decade, there have been 760 confirmed cases nationwide.
Currently, there is no specific treatment for AFM and no specific way to prevent the condition. Most health organisations recommend taking the same steps you would to avoid getting a viral infection, like washing hands and avoiding contact with sick people.
Researchers at Kennedy Krieger Institute’s International Center for Spinal Cord Injury (ICSCI) have published a new study, ‘Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation Enables Recovery of Walking in Children with Acute Flaccid Myelitis’, outlining a potential new treatment for those living with AFM.
AFM Study Findings
A new study from researchers at the ICSCI was published in the journal Children. It involves four children with AFM-related spinal cord injuries and offers hope to children with acute flaccid myelitis through a new treatment.
In the study, the children received a combination of Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation (TSS) and movement training. They…
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