Symptoms

The most common signs and symptoms of acute flaccid myelitis include:

• Sudden arm or leg weakness
• Sudden loss of muscle tone
• Sudden loss of reflexes

Other possible signs and symptoms include:

• Difficulty moving the eyes or drooping eyelids
• Facial droop or weakness
• Difficulty with swallowing or slurred speech
• Pain in the arms, legs, neck or back

Uncommon symptoms might include:

• Numbness or tingling
• Inability to pass urine

Severe symptoms involve respiratory failure, due to the muscles involved in breathing becoming weak. It's also possible to experience life-threatening body temperature changes and blood pressure instability.

When to see a doctor

If you or your child has any of the signs or symptoms listed above, seek medical care as soon as possible.