- Home
- Parents Home
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- A to Z Dictionary
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Flu Center
- Heart Health
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Diseases & Conditions
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- School & Family Life
- Pregnancy Center
- Newborn Center
- Q&A
- Recipes
- Sports Medicine Center
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Videos
- Para Padres
- Home
- Kids Home
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Movies & More
- Diabetes Center
- Getting Help
- Feelings
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Health Problems
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes & Cooking
- Staying Healthy
- Stay Safe Center
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Q&A
- Heart Center
- Videos
- Staying Safe
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Para Niños
- Home
- Teens Home
- Asthma Center
- Be Your Best Self Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sexual Health
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos
- Your Body
- Your Mind
- Para Adolescentes
Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM)
What Is Acute Flaccid Myelitis?
Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a rare condition that affects the spinal cord. It comes on suddenly and makes muscles weak and floppy. It looks similar to polio, so it is sometimes called a “polio-like” illness. It is most commonly seen in children around age 6.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Acute Flaccid Myelitis?
Acute flaccid myelitis (mye-uh-LYE-tiss) often happens after a respiratory infection, such as a cold.
A child with AFM usually has sudden weakness in the arms and legs. Other signs of acute flaccid myelitis include:
- arm, leg, or neck pain
- drooping eyelids
- trouble moving the eyes
- drooping mouth
- slurred speech
- trouble swallowing
- trouble breathing
If you or your child have any of these symptoms, get medical care right away.
What Causes Acute Flaccid Myelitis?
Experts think that AFM is caused by certain types of viruses, such as enterovirus D68.
AFM is not a new problem, but many people are learning about it now because of recent outbreaks. An outbreak is when a disease happens in greater numbers than expected in a particular area. In the United States, outbreaks of AFM seem to happen every couple of years, alongside an increase in some types of viral infections. But it's still very rare.
What Might Help Prevent AFM?
It isn’t clear why some children get AFM after a viral infection and others don’t. So it’s best if everyone tries to avoid spreading germs by:
- washing hands well and often
- keeping vaccinations up to date
- staying away from people who are sick
- keeping household surfaces clean and disinfected
- keeping sick children home from school and daycare
For more information about acute flaccid myelitis, visit the CDC's AFM page.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995- The Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth® is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.