Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) Treatment in India
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What is Acute Flaccid Myelitis?
Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a rare but dangerous spinal cord illness. It can result in loss of reflexes, muscular tone loss, and abrupt weakness in the arms or legs. Young children are primarily affected by the illness.
What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?
Timely treatment is important because Acute Flaccid Myelitis frequently affects the muscles in upper limbs and can also impair the muscles involved in breathing. This uncommon neurological disorder weakens muscles and reflexes. Because of this, it's important to seek medical care as soon as possible if you or your child develop symptoms.
What are the symptoms of Acute Flaccid Myelitis
The following are the most typical indications of acute flaccid myelitis:
- Abrupt weakness in the arms or legs
- Abrupt loss of muscular tone
- Absence of reflexes suddenly
Other symptoms and indicators that could be present include:
- Eyelid drooping or trouble moving the eyes
- Weakness or droop of the face
- Speech slurred or swallowing difficulties
- Discomfort in the back, neck, arms, or legs
Symptoms that are uncommon could include:
- Feeling numb or tingly
- Not being able to urinate
- Respiratory failure is one of the severe symptoms, which is caused by weakening of the breathing muscles. Blood pressure instability and potentially fatal variations in body temperature are also conceivable.
Causes and Risk Factors of Tethered Acute Flaccid Myelitis
Causes
An infection with an enterovirus is one possible cause of acute flaccid myelitis. Enteroviruses can cause fever and respiratory ailments, particularly in children. Most folks get well. The cause of acute flaccid myelitis in some enterovirus-infected individuals remains unknown. Between August and November, a number of viruses, including enteroviruses, are prevalent in the US. Outbreaks of acute flaccid myelitis typically happen at this time. Acute flaccid myelitis symptoms can resemble those of polio, a viral illness. However, poliovirus has not been linked to any occurrences of acute flaccid myelitis in the US.
Risk Factors
Young children are primarily affected by acute flaccid myelitis. Acute flaccid myelitis can produce muscle paralysis that lasts for months or even years.
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Acute Flaccid Myelitis Prevention Tips
Acute flaccid myelitis cannot be prevented in any particular way. Acute flaccid myelitis risk can be decreased, nevertheless, by avoiding a viral infection. To help prevent you or your kid from contracting or spreading a viral infection, follow these steps:
- Use soap and water to wash your hands frequently
- Do not touch your face with dirty hands
- Steer clear of intimate contact with sick people
- Surfaces that are touched often should be cleaned and disinfected
- Use a tissue or the upper sleeve of your shirt to cover coughs and sneezes
- Keep youngsters who are ill at home.
Treatment options for Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM)
Plasmapheresis: Plasma exchange therapy may be necessary for patients who do not react to intravenous steroids. This entails taking out the straw-colored fluid (plasma) that contains blood cells and substituting it with other fluids. Although the exact mechanism of action of this therapy is unknown, it is possible that plasma exchange eliminates inflammatory antibodies.
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Steroids administered intravenously: Steroids will most likely be administered to you over a few days via a vein in your arm. Steroids aid in lowering spinal column inflammation.
Based on your responses to inquiries regarding your symptoms, medical history, a clinical evaluation of nerve function, and test results, a physician will make the diagnosis of transverse myelitis. These tests, which can rule out other conditions and reveal spinal cord inflammation, include the following:
MRI: A magnetic field and radio waves are used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to produce three-dimensional images of soft tissues. Spinal cord inflammation and other possible causes of the symptoms, such as abnormalities affecting the spinal cord or blood vessels, might be seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Spinal Tap: A tiny amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the fluid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord, is extracted with a needle during a lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may include abnormally high levels of white blood cells or immune system proteins that signify inflammation in certain transverse myelitis patients. Additionally, spinal fluid can be examined for specific malignancies or viral infections.
Blood Test: A test for antibodies linked to neuromyelitis optica, a disorder in which inflammation affects both your spinal cord and the nerve in your eye, may be part of blood tests. Individuals who have a positive antibody test are more likely to have repeated transverse myelitis attacks and need to be treated to avoid more episodes. Additional blood tests can rule out other possible causes of symptoms or detect infections that could be a factor in transverse myelitis.
MediRehab (chain of Rehab center) - part of MediGence provides comprehensive rehabilitation services designed to support arthritis patients in India. These services include:
Physical Therapy: This enhances coordination and strength. You can learn how to use any necessary assistance devices, including braces, canes, or a wheelchair, from your physical therapist.
Occupational Therapy: This aids individuals with transverse myelitis in learning new techniques for carrying out daily tasks including cleaning, cooking, and taking a shower.
Psychoanalysis: Anxiety, sadness, sexual dysfunction, and other emotional or behavioral problems resulting from managing transverse myelitis can be treated by a psychotherapist using talk therapy.
- Depending on the situation, your healthcare professional may prescribe medicine to help control your symptoms and support the treatment plan.
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Hospitals for Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) in India
Max Super Specialty Hospital, Vaishali
Ghaziabad, India
- Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, Ghaziabad, is a leading multi-speciality hospital with 387+ beds and 37+ clinical specialities, offering advanced care in Cardiology, Neuro Sciences, Oncology, Orthopaedics, Transplants, Gastroenterology, and Reconstructive Surgery.
- Supported by 389+ doctors and 1038+ trained staff, the hospital combines state-of-the-art technology, including robotic surgery and advanced imaging systems, with compassionate, patient-centred care.
- Accredited by NABH and NABL, Max Vaishali is a trusted destination for both domestic and international patients seeking high-quality, integrated medical services.
Batra Hospital
Delhi, India
- More than 35 years of trusted healthcare service
- Multi-specialty tertiary care with over 30 departments
- Comprehensive preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic care under one roof
- International patient coordination team for seamless overseas care
Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram
Gurgaon, India
- Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, is a 250-bed multi-speciality tertiary care hospital, formerly known as W Pratiksha Hospital.
- A major medical centre for Delhi NCR and North India, it is situated on Golf Course Extension Road, Sector 56, Gurugram.
- The hospital's NABH and NABL accreditation ensures compliance with international standards for patient care, safety, and quality.
- Provides extensive medical care in more than 21 specialities, including as women's health, neurology, orthopaedics, cardiology, and cancer.
- Advanced robotic-assisted spine surgery tools and neuro-monitoring technology are available at the Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro & Spine (MAIINS), a Centre of Excellence in Neurosciences.
- Equipped with cutting-edge equipment, such as automated labs, sophisticated imaging, and contemporary operating rooms.
- Features specialised ICUs, NICUs, and modular OTs built for complex and minimally invasive procedures.
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Why Choose India for Acute Flaccid Myelitis Treatment?
Here are some of the reasons for choosing India:
- Due to advancements in medical facilities, such as minimally invasive surgical techniques and plasmapheresis procedures.
- World-class experts include highly experienced doctors, JCI, and NABH-accredited healthcare institutions.
- Compared to other countries, treatment in Indian hospitals is cost-effective.
- Indian hospitals provide international patient services, including a multilingual support system.
- Improved treatment methods and biological therapies.
Frequently Asked Questions
AFM has no particular treatment, and its long-term effects are unknown. While some patients fully recover, others experience symptoms and muscle weakness for almost a year. Certain treatments can aid in symptom relief and promote healing.
In India, there is currently no known treatment for acute flaccid myelitis (AFM). The main goal of treatment is to manage symptoms through supportive care, which includes occupational therapy and physical therapy to help with muscle weakness and, depending on the situation, sometimes medications like corticosteroids. The effectiveness of treatment is largely dependent on how severe the initial symptoms were and how well the patient responds to rehabilitation; most patients still experience some residual weakness after treatment.
Yes, many Indian hospitals offer the following for Acute Flaccid Myelitis treatment:
- Advanced diagnostic tools like MRI, CT scan, electromyography, and PET scan for accurate diagnoses.
- Skilled neurologist and therapist performing physical and occupational therapy for Acute Flaccid Myelitis.
- Comprehensive care and rehabilitation for long-term health benefit
Always consider the following factors when selecting Indian hospitals:
- Hospitals that are accredited (authorised by JCI and NABH).
- Patient reviews and success rates.
- Hospitals that provide seamless care to patients from abroad.
Long term effects may lead to permanent paralysis. In rare instances, patients may also experience tingling or numbness. The most severe symptoms of AFM include the need for mechanical ventilation due to respiratory failure. severe neurological side effects that could be fatal, include fluctuations in body temperature and unstable blood pressure.