Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) Treatment in United Arab Emirates
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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, and abrupt arm or leg weakness. Young children are primarily affected by the disease.
What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?
Timely treatment is essential because Acute Flaccid Myelitis frequently affects the muscles in the upper limbs and can also impair the muscles involved in breathing. This uncommon neurological disorder weakens muscles and reflexes. Because of this, seeking medical care as soon as possible is essential if you or your child develops symptoms.
What are the symptoms of Acute Flaccid Myelitis
- Abrupt weakness in the arms or legs
- Abrupt loss of muscular tone
- Absence of reflexes suddenly
- 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
- Feeling numb or tingly
- Not being able to urinate
- Respiratory failure
- Blood pressure instability
Causes and Risk Factors of Tethered Acute Flaccid Myelitis
Causes
- Viral Infections (Most Common Cause)
- Environmental Triggers
- Autoimmune Reaction
- Genetic Susceptibility
- Tethered Cord Syndrome (if present)
Risk Factors
- Age (Children under 15 years):
- Viral Exposure
- Weakened Immune System
- Tethered Spinal Cord (if diagnosed)
- Geographical and Seasonal Factors
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Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Acute Flaccid Myelitis in the United Arab Emirates
Different medical institutions are modifying the management of inflammation and long-term disabilities through immunotherapy, including intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), corticosteroids, and plasmapheresis. Pediatric neurology departments across Abu Dhabi and Dubai hospitals have multidisciplinary teams, allowing physiotherapists, neurologists, and occupational therapists to participate in each patient's recovery. Ongoing research collaboration is focused on elucidating viral triggers and optimising early intervention in the UAE as an active hub for AFM care.
Acute Flaccid Myelitis Prevention Tips
Acute flaccid myelitis cannot be prevented in any particular way. Acute flaccid myelitis can be decreased by avoiding a viral infection. To help prevent yourself 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 respond to intravenous steroids. This entails taking out the straw-coloured fluid (plasma) that contains blood cells and substituting it with other fluids.
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Steroids administered intravenously will most likely be administered to you over a few days via a vein in your arm. Steroids aid in lowering spinal column inflammation.
These tests, which can rule out other conditions and reveal spinal cord inflammation, include the following:
Imaging Studies
- MRI: 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).
Blood Test
- Blood tests may include a test for antibodies linked to neuromyelitis optica, a disorder in which inflammation affects the spinal cord and the nerve in the eye. Individuals with a positive antibody test are more likely to have repeated transverse myelitis attacks and need to be treated to avoid more episodes.
Other Tests
- Spinal Tap: A tiny amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord, is extracted with a needle during a lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Analysis: It 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.
MediRehab (a chain of Rehab centres, part of MediGence) provides comprehensive rehabilitation services to support patients through Teleconsulations and online therapy sessions.
Physical Therapy
This enhances coordination and strength. Your physical therapist can teach you how to use any necessary assistive devices, including braces, canes, or a wheelchair.
Occupational Therapy
This helps individuals with acute flaccid myelitis learn new techniques for daily tasks, such as cleaning, cooking, and showering.
Psychoanalysis
Anxiety, sadness, sexual dysfunction, and other emotional or behavioural 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 United Arab Emirates
Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman
Ajman, United Arab Emirates
Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman located in Ajman, United Arab Emirates is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- The hospital has a 250 bed capacity.
- Excellent quality of healthcare facilities and services at par with developed countries.
- Multilingual and multinational healthcare professionals working in the Thumbay Hospital Ajman (belonging to 20 nations and fluent in 50 plus languages).
- Equipped with the newest facilities to ensure highest standards of healthcare delivery to patients at economical costs.
- Dedicated, compassionate and highly educated healthcare professionals work in Thumbay Hospital Ajman.
- Well developed diagnostic facilities are also available.
- A 24/7 functioning emergency care department and advanced facilities in Radiology.
- There is presence of an ultramodern Catheterization Lab (Cath Lab) and Electrosurgery Cryotherapy in dermatology, Interlocking intramedullary nailing.
- Also available under dental departments Panoramic, digital intra-oral X-rays, Cephalogram are present.
- Some of the important specialties in Thumbay Hospital Ajman are:
- Ear, nose, and throat
- Cardiovascular
- Bariatric surgery
- General surgery
- Urology
- Nephrology
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Why Choose the United Arab Emirates for Acute Flaccid Myelitis Treatment?
- Advanced Treatment Facilities: Arab hospitals are implementing new treatment modalities such as plasma exchange and stem cells.
- Expert Neurology Specialists: The United Arab Emirates has some excellent pediatric neurologists and rehabilitation specialists who manage AFM.
- Affordable Medical Care: Treatment costs in the United Arab Emirates are lower than those in Western countries, making quality care affordable.
- Comprehensive Rehabilitation Programs: The hospitals offer specialised neurorehabilitation, including robotic-assisted and physical therapy.
- Strong Medical Travel Environment: This assists with visa arrangements, accommodation, and multilingual medical services for international patients.
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. Specific therapies can aid in symptom relief and promote healing.
Yes, some research centres in the United Arab Emirates are conducting clinical trials for new treatments for AFM.
Indeed, Arab hospitals accept patients from all over the world and provide full medical tourism support.
Rehabilitation work takes a variable amount of time but may last months to years.
Some people with Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) can enjoy comparatively everyday lives. Each patient with AFM recovers in different ways. Patients gradually regain strength and motor function. However, most do not fully recover. The most damaged muscle may have the lowest chance of healing. Physical and occupational therapy are likely essential to AFM recovery.
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.