Focused Review Course: Pediatric Rehabilitation-Acute Flaccid Myelitis

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this Pediatric Focused Review on Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM), the speaker discusses the definition, epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of AFM. AFM is a disease that causes rapid onset of acute weakness or paralysis primarily in young children. The weakness is caused by inflammation in the spinal cord and is seen on MRI as enhancement of the gray matter. Outbreaks of AFM have been noted in multiple countries, with spikes occurring in late summer and fall. The clinical diagnosis of AFM includes the presence of limb weakness and characteristic spinal cord lesions on MRI. The exact cause of AFM is unknown, but it is believed to be related to viral infections. Treatment options for AFM include IVIG, IV steroids, and plasmapheresis, although their efficacy is uncertain. The mainstay of treatment is early and aggressive rehabilitation. Long-term consequences of AFM can include muscle atrophy, joint instability, and scoliosis. The CDC continues to conduct surveillance and research to better understand AFM and its prevention.

Keywords

Acute Flaccid Myelitis

Pediatric

Diagnosis

Management

CDC surveillance