Everything Parents Need to Know about AFM

Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) has occurred in children in 44 states, and according to the CDC, 90 percent of kids had a mild respiratory illness or fever consistent with a viral infection before developing AFM.

Understandably, parents are concerned – even downright scared.

Parents magazine interviewed Sarah Hopkins, MD, MSPH, pediatric neurologist and Section Head for Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroinflammatory Disorders at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, about the signs and symptoms of AFM to help parents recognize when a child may need immediate medical attention.

“It is so important for parents to be informed about AFM, to recognize its symptoms and to seek immediate care if their child experiences weakness in the arms or legs,” said Brenda Banwell, MD, Chief of the Division of Neurology at CHOP. “Recognized as one of Parents magazine’s most innovative hospitals, we care for children with AFM and serve as national experts in defining treatment guidelines, as well as offering ongoing rehabilitation and management as part of our Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroinflammatory Disorders Clinic.”

Read the full article in Parents magazine — "Acute Flaccid Myelitis: Everything You Need to Know about AFM."