Frequently Asked Questions about AFM

The recent increase in cases of Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) is causing concern across the United States. SRNA has received many questions from the community about AFM, so at the 2018 Regional Rare Neuroimmune Disorders Symposium in Boston, we asked Dr. Benjamin Greenberg of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center to respond to the most commonly asked questions we have received. You can view his responses below. You can also view the rest of the videos from the symposium on our YouTube page here. You can find more resources on AFM in our Resource Library, including our 2018 Podcast on Acute Flaccid Myelitis and Dr. Greenberg’s presentation on AFM at the 2018 Regional RNDS.


What is acute flaccid myelitis?




What causes acute flaccid myelitis?




Is acute flaccid myelitis contagious?



Will someone who already has TM or another neuroimmune disorder be susceptible to AFM?



What are the symptoms of acute flaccid myelitis?



What should a parent do when they suspect symptoms of acute flaccid myelitis?



Where should treatment be sought?



How do you diagnose acute flaccid myelitis?



What are the treatments for acute flaccid myelitis?



Is there a relation between vaccinations and acute flaccid myelitis?



Can acute flaccid myelitis be prevented?



Is there a cure for acute flaccid myelitis?



What is the relationship between EVD68 and acute flaccid myelitis?