Viral myelitis: an update.

Viral infections of the central nervous system are uncommon but are important in the differential diagnosis of acute myelopathy. Acute viral myelitis can present as acute flaccid paralysis (poliomyelitis) or neurologic dysfunction due to involvement of the white matter. The latter usually affects only part of the transverse expanse of the spinal cord and manifests as asymmetric motor and sensory symptoms.