Etymed
poliomyelitis
Definition
Inflammation of the gray matter of the spinal cord, particularly affecting the anterior horn cells in the spinal cord's gray matter
Clinical context
A 5-year-old boy presents with sudden onset fever, irritability, and severe muscle pain. He develops asymmetric limb weakness with decreased reflexes, but sensation remains intact. MRI shows inflammation primarily in the anterior horn cells of the spinal cord gray matter. His condition rapidly progresses to flaccid paralysis within 24-48 hours.
Mnemonic
POLIO - Pain, Onset, Limb, Inflammation, Obstruction - Gray matter anterior horn cell destruction