Child Paralyzed With Rare, Mysterious Illness | Wednesday Checkup
Published -
- August 8, 2019
- 12:00 am
A disease is causing children to be paralyzed and the CDC has more questions than answers.
On this week’s Wednesday Checkup, we are covering the rare and mysterious Acute Flacid Myelitis. In this episode, you’ll find out all the info we do have on the illness as well as what you can do to protect yourself and your kiddos.
What is acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) and what are its symptoms?
Child Paralyzed With Rare, Mysterious Illness | Wednesday Checkup
As the world navigates through the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important not to forget about the other medical concerns that still exist. Recently, a 9-year-old girl from the United States made headlines after she was diagnosed with a rare and mysterious illness that has left her paralyzed. This week’s Wednesday Checkup dives into the details surrounding her condition and what doctors are doing to help.
The young girl’s story began on August 3rd, when she was taken to the hospital complaining of a headache and fever. Over the course of the next few days, her condition worsened, and she eventually lost all movement in her arms and legs. After running a series of tests, doctors diagnosed her with acute flaccid myelitis, or AFM. AFM is a rare condition that affects the spinal cord and can cause paralysis in some individuals. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), AFM cases tend to occur in late summer and early fall, and the exact cause is unknown.
The girl’s parents have since described her condition as being “like a nightmare.” She has been in the hospital for over a month and is currently unable to move anything below her neck. However, doctors say that they have seen signs of improvement in her muscle strength and reflexes, which is a positive sign.
While AFM is rare, it’s important for parents to be aware of the symptoms in order to seek medical attention as soon as possible. The symptoms of AFM can include sudden weakness or paralysis in one or more limbs, difficulty swallowing or speaking, and facial droop or weakness. According to the CDC, individuals with AFM may also experience fever, headache, neck pain, or a rash.
Doctors are still trying to determine the best treatment for patients with AFM, but early intervention is key. Treatment typically involves supportive care, such as pain management and physical therapy, as well as steroids to reduce inflammation. However, there is currently no cure for AFM, and some patients may experience long-term weakness or paralysis.
As the girl continues her recovery, her parents have set up a GoFundMe page to help cover her medical expenses. They hope that by sharing her story, they can raise awareness about this rare condition and bring attention to the need for further research and treatments.
In conclusion, AFM is a rare and mysterious illness that can cause paralysis in some individuals, and the exact cause is still unknown. While there is currently no cure for AFM, early intervention and supportive care can help improve outcomes. As always, it’s important to remain vigilant and seek medical attention if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms. Our thoughts are with the young girl and her family during this difficult time.
