Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic therapy helps children improve mobility, strength, stamina and balance in a safe, supportive environment.
Acute Flaccid Myelitis
Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a condition with rapid onset affecting the nerves in the spinal cord, mostly in children.
AFM typically causes weakness in the arms, legs, neck or shoulders, and can occasionally affect breathing. Doctors do not yet know the exact cause, but it is thought to be due to a viral infection. It is often compared to polio, as it appears to cause a child's immune system to attack their own nerves.
Because the onset of AFM is rapid, it is important to contact your doctor right away if your child develops any AFM symptoms including: sudden arm or leg weakness, difficulty swallowing, slurred speech and facial weakness or drooping. A physical exam can help to confirm these symptoms, while a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan helps to identify any irregularities seen in the spinal cord.
Pediatric neurologists and pediatric intensive care unit doctors are the specialists who provide initial care for patients with AFM. Once they begin to improve, patients benefit greatly from the early initiation of physical therapy and occupational therapy. The ability to recoup from weakness is difficult to predict, but at Shriners Children’s we believe that with therapy the ability to recover improves. Our therapists provide prompt, family-centered care tailored to your child’s needs. Our trusted team of professionals will work together to design a unique care plan for each child that will lead to their highest level of independence and activity.
Specific treatments and services may vary by location. Please contact a specific location for more information.
Acute Flaccid Myelitis: Know What to Look For
The onset of acute flaccid myelitis is sudden and has the potential to affect the muscles that control breathing, which makes seeking care for a child experiencing any of the symptoms below very important:
- Sudden arm or leg weakness
- Sudden loss of or weakened reflexes
- Difficulty swallowing or moving the eyes
- Respiratory symptoms (difficulty breathing)
- Slurred speech
- Facial weakness or drooping
- Bowel/bladder changes or difficulty urinating
- Numbness or tingling
I can’t even begin to say how much Shriners Children's has impacted all of our lives. Not only have they given my son a chance, but they have also given our entire family hope.
Locations That Offer Acute Flaccid Myelitis Treatment
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Shriners Children's provides specialty health care to children around the world. We offer a comprehensive range of treatments, services and support to improve the quality of our patients’ lives and help them reach their full potential.
Radiology and Imaging
Shriners Children's radiology and imaging services are a noninvasive way for physicians to see what's going on inside a child's body. Our radiology and imaging professionals work with children in the safest way possible.
Services We Provide
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Functional Electrical Stimulation Machines
Functional electrical stimulation machines use low-energy electrical pulses to artificially generate body movements such as grasping, walking, and standing in children who have been paralyzed.
Neurology Services
Physicians at Shriners Children's can provide early diagnosis, intervention and treatment for neurological disorders as well as ongoing care for a neurological component of a child's condition.
Psychiatry & Psychological Services
Our psychologists at Shriners Children's specialize in evaluating and providing support to children and their families who are adjusting to a new diagnosis or having difficulty in their everyday lives due to trauma.
Social Services
At Shriners Children’s, our specialists in social services are with you every step of the way, helping you deal with challenges and providing the resources you need to feel encouraged and empowered.
Next Steps
Request an Appointment
Families and caregivers seeking treatment should start by contacting us for an appointment.
Log in to the Patient Portal
Parents and guardians of existing patients can email, request records, schedule appointments and more.
Refer a Patient
Physicians and healthcare providers can request appointments, start transfers or contact us with questions.