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Disease Profile
Acute flaccid myelitis
Prevalence estimates on Rare Medical Network websites are calculated based on data available from numerous sources, including US and European government statistics, the NIH, Orphanet, and published epidemiologic studies. Rare disease population data is recognized to be highly variable, and based on a wide variety of source data and methodologies, so the prevalence data on this site should be assumed to be estimated and cannot be considered to be absolutely correct.
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Age of onset
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ICD-10
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Inheritance
Autosomal dominant A pathogenic variant in only one gene copy in each cell is sufficient to cause an autosomal dominant disease.
Autosomal recessive Pathogenic variants in both copies of each gene of the chromosome are needed to cause an autosomal recessive disease and observe the mutant phenotype.
X-linked
dominant X-linked dominant inheritance, sometimes referred to as X-linked dominance, is a mode of genetic inheritance by which a dominant gene is carried on the X chromosome.
dominant X-linked dominant inheritance, sometimes referred to as X-linked dominance, is a mode of genetic inheritance by which a dominant gene is carried on the X chromosome.
X-linked
recessive Pathogenic variants in both copies of a gene on the X chromosome cause an X-linked recessive disorder.
recessive Pathogenic variants in both copies of a gene on the X chromosome cause an X-linked recessive disorder.
Mitochondrial or multigenic Mitochondrial genetic disorders can be caused by changes (mutations) in either the mitochondrial DNA or nuclear DNA that lead to dysfunction of the mitochondria and inadequate production of energy.
Multigenic or multifactor Inheritance involving many factors, of which at least one is genetic but none is of overwhelming importance, as in the causation of a disease by multiple genetic and environmental factors.
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Summary
Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a condition that affects the spinal cord leading to muscle weakness and loss of reflexes. Most people who develop AFM have had a viral illness with flu-like symptoms one to four weeks before symptoms of AFM. Symptoms of AFM include sudden onset (acute) of weakness in the arm(s) or leg(s), loss of muscle tone, and decreased or absent reflexes. Other symptoms may include pain, facial weakness, and difficulty swallowing, speaking, or moving the eyes. It is not clear why some people develop AFM and others do not. Diagnosis is based on the symptoms, a clinical exam, an
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:[3]
- Sudden onset of muscle weakness, usually in an arm or leg
- Pain
- Facial weakness
- Difficulty breathing, swallowing, speaking
- Bowel or bladder control problems
Symptoms usually occur one to four weeks after a flu-like illness (fever, cough, stomach distress). Children are more likely to be affected than adults. Muscle weakness comes on quickly and may involve one to four limbs. The arms are more likely to be affected. Sometimes the muscles involved with breathing become weak and mechanical breathing support (a ventilator) is needed. Most people who get AFM will have symptoms for months or even years. Because AFM has only recently been described, not much is known about the long-term affects of this condition.[2][4]
Cause
There is no known way to prevent AFM. However, preventing a viral infection can help reduce the risk of developing AFM. Steps to preventing a viral illness include frequent hand washing, cleaning surfaces, avoiding sick people, and staying home when you are sick.[1]
Diagnosis
AFM can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to other neurological diseases, such as Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), and transverse myelitis. These conditions may need to be excluded before the diagnosis of AFM can be made.[2]
Treatment
For more detailed information about acute flaccid myelitis, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) webpage.
Organizations
Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.
Organizations Supporting this Disease
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Siegel Rare Neuroimmune Association (SRNA)
1787 Sutter Parkway
Powell, OH 43065-8806
Toll-free: 1-855-380-3330 (Helpline)
Telephone: +1-614-317-4884
E-mail: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MyelitisHelpLine
Website: https://wearesrna.org/
(Formerly the Transverse Myelitis Foundation)
Social Networking Websites
- The A.F.M.Acute Flaccid Myelitis Awareness & Other Polio-Like Virus Side Effect is a public Facebook group for medical professionals and families.
- The Parents of Children with Polio Like Syndrome / Acute Flaccid Myelitis is an active Facebook group for people with loved ones with acute flaccid myelitis.
Learn more
These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.
Where to Start
- You can obtain information on this topic from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC is recognized as the lead federal agency for developing and applying disease prevention and control, environmental health, and health promotion and education activities designed to improve the health of the people of the United States.
- MedlinePlus was designed by the National Library of Medicine to help you research your health questions, and it provides more information about this topic.
In-Depth Information
- PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Acute flaccid myelitis. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.
Selected Full-Text Journal Articles
- Messacar K, Schreiner TL, Van Haren K, Yang M, Glaser CA, Tyler KL, Dominguez SR. Acute Flaccid Myelitis: A Clinical Review of US Cases 2012–2015. Ann Neurol. 2016 Sep;80(3):326-38. Review.
References
- Acute flaccid myelitis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. February 25, 2020; https://www.cdc.gov/acute-flaccid-myelitis/about-afm.html.
- Helfferich J, Knoester M, Van Leer-Buter CC, et al. Acute flaccid myelitis and enterovirus D68: lessons from the past and present. Eur J Pediatr. 2019;178(9):1305-1315. 2019; 178(9):1305-1315. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31338675.
- Fatemi Y, Chakraborty R. Acute Flaccid Myelitis: A Clinical Overview for 2019. Mayo Clin Proc. 2019; 94(5):875-881. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31054607.
- Morens DM, Folkers GK, Fauci AS. Acute Flaccid Myelitis: Something Old and Something New. mBio. 2019; 10(2):e00521-19. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30940708.
- Hopkins SE. Acute Flaccid Myelitis: Etiologic Challenges, Diagnostic and Management Considerations. Curr Treat Options Neurol. November 28, 2017; 19(12):48. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29181601.
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