PULSE Magazine | October 2018 Issue

Diagnosis

AFM is diagnosed by:

 Examining a patient’s nervous system in areas presenting with weakness, poor muscle tone, and de- creased reflexes.

 An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to look at a patient’s brain and spinal cord.

 Multiple lab tests on the cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid around the brain and spinal cord),

 Evaluation of nerve conduction (impulse sent along a nerve fiber) and response.

It is important that testing is done as soon as possible after the patient develops symptoms. AFM can be difficult to diagnose because it shares many of the same symptoms as other neurologic diseases. With the help of testing and examinations, doctors can distinguish between AFM and other neurologic conditions.

Causes

Potential causes may include certain viruses, environmental toxins and genetic disorders. It is unclear who could be at higher risk of developing AFM, Messonnier said. The CDC does not fully understand long- term consequences or why some patients recover quickly while others continue to experience paralysis and weakness.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for AFM, a Neurologist may recommend certain interventions on a case-by -case basis.

Prevention

Poliovirus and West Nile virus may sometimes lead to AFM. You can protect yourself and your children from poliovirus by getting vaccinated. This vaccine does not protect against other viruses that may cause AFM. Protect against mosquitoes bites, they can carry West Nile virus, by using mosquito repellent, staying indoors at dusk and dawn (when bites are more common), and removing standing or stagnant water near your home (where mosquitoes can breed). As always washing your hands often with soap and water is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to other people.

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