Clarifying the diagnosis of Acute flaccid myelitis

Neurology 2020 & Cognitive Neuroscience 2020

February 24-25, 2020

Anna Jarrett

University of Arkansas, USA

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Neurol Disord 2020

Abstract :

Statement of the Problem: Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a serious condition that primarily affects children. AFM is a type of Acute flaccid paralysis, a global terms for AFM and non-AFM etiologies. AFM is diagnosed by gray matter abnormalities in the spinal cord on MRI, or pleocytosis in the cerebral spinal fluid. AFM attacks spinal cord gray matter resulting in lower motor neuron injury and flaccid weakness in the extremities. Although the specific cause of most cases is unknown, viruses, toxins and genetic disorders have been implicated. Stopping the spread of viral infections is crucial to preventing this potentially disabling disease. Simple prevention measures to stress to all patients are: a) hand hygiene by washing your hands, b) control respiratory droplets by coughing/sneezing into your sleeve and then wash your hands, c) stay current with your immunizations and d) stay away from those who are ill. Identifying patients with AFM is difficult. If suspected, it is important to act quickly with the assistance of local or state health departments in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to determine the causative factor. The CDC provides up-to-date information. Treatment has been unsuccessful using conservative measures, but there is hope for nerve transfer procedures in upper and lower extremities using microsurgery techniques. This is an unfolding story with more to come if this disease cannot be controlled or eradicated.
Recent Publications:
• Shreve,M., Scott, A., Jarrett, A. (February 8, 2019). ZIKA: An update. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 15(6); 410-414 e2. IF: 0.70.
• Kilmer, M., Shreve, M., Jarrett, A. (February 23, 2019). Understanding Acute Flaccid Myelitis, The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 15(6); 444-448 e2.
• Shreve, M., McNeill, C., Jarrett, A. (February 2018). Mumps: A New Outbreak! The Journal for Nurse Practitioners.14 (2), 81-87.
• McNeill, C., Sisson, W., Jarrett, A. (2017). Listeriosis: A Resurfacing Menace. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 13(10), 647-653. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2017.09.014.
• McNeill, C., Jarrett, A., Shreve, M. (2017). Bedbugs: Current Treatment Guidelines. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 13(6), 381-388. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra. 2017.03.018.

Biography :

Anna Jarrett is a doctoral prepared Nurse practitioner certified by American Nurses’ Credentialing Center (ANCC). She holds four nursing degrees, three national certifications and has expertise in education, research and practice. She is a master teacher, a seasoned researcher in the area of managing trauma outcomes and she is a skilled advanced practice nurse in acute and primary care settings. Anna has practiced critical care and emergency nursing since 1978 in both small rural and larger metropolitan areas. She specializes in Trauma Intensive Care, Emergency and Disaster Nursing. Anna maintains competency through practice, mentoring new faculty and continued research efforts.