Acute Flaccid Myelitis in an Adult

Abstract

Introduction: Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a condition causing acute onset flaccid limb weakness primarily in children. Correlations with specific viral illnesses have been found, however, specific pathogenesis remains unknown. Case Report: A 21-year-old female individual presented with progressive weakness provoking multiple falls, severe fatigue, headaches, and body aches after an upper respiratory illness. Deep tendon reflexes were absent, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis was remarkable for lymphocytic pleocytosis and elevated protein. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed T2 hyperintensity extending from C1-T2 predominantly involving the anterior horns. Weakness continued to increase before subtly improving over the course of a 10-day hospital stay. Functional improvements had been achieved by the patient at 1-year follow-up with intensive physical therapy. Conclusions: AFM should be included in the differential for the presentation of acute weakness in adults and pediatric patients. As the incidence of AFM continues to rise, awareness of the condition and prompt obtainment of specimens in suspected patients is crucial to aid in the investigation.

Acute Flaccid Myelitis-Possible Link with Electro-Magnetism? A Hypothesis Stimulating Study

“…This suggests that there might be more cases of respiratory onsets followed by neurological disorders before AFM was first `discovered'. The worry being that the incidence of Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) is increasing around the world [60][61][62][63][64][65][66][67][68][69][70][71]. Indeed, of singular importance is that in the UK, in addition to small increases in cases of AFM, since 2019 a new `Acute Flaccid Paralysis Task' force has been established [67].…”

“…cases[70,71]. Bearing in mind the END68 is the virus associated with AFM, in covid-19 patients there appears to be a sub-set with spinal-cord myelitis[58].…”