Acute Flaccid Myelitis-A Narrative Review
Neetika Sharma*
Department of Neurology, AIIMS Bilaspur, India
*Corresponding Author: Neetika Sharma, Department of Neurology, AIIMS Bilaspur, India.
Received:
September 16, 2024; Published: October 30, 2024
Abstract
Acute flaccid myelitis is an asymmetric flaccid weakness of one or all four limbs preceded by a prodrome of fever with respiratory or gastrointestinal illness. Typically affecting healthy children, with a higher incidence in males, these cases often occur in clusters following Enterovirus outbreaks. While primarily documented in the United States, they have been reported worldwide. Acute flaccid myelitis has affected a vast majority of children leaving them with crippling disability. It has become a notifiable disease per the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. This review focuses on the need for more research in this field as till now no definitive treatment is present. Literature is lacking in its management. Currently, only available treatment options include intravenous immunoglobulin. The role of steroids is controversial. As there are both beneficial and harmful effects of steroids have been reported.
Acute illness is followed by either recovery or complications involving musculoskeletal deformities, pressure ulcers, and aspiration pneumonia in patients with bulbar involvement. We need more studies and research focusing on its therapeutics which could prove life-saving and prevent morbidity in the coming future.
Keywords: Myelitis; Neuromuscular Disorder; Enterovirus Outbreak; Central Nervous System Viral infections; CDC Recommendations
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