Transverse myelitis

Transverse myelitis is a rare nervous system disorder. In many cases, the cause is unknown. However, certain conditions may lead to transverse myelitis: Bacterial, viral, parasitic, or fungal infection, such as HIV , syphilis , varicella zoster ( shingles ), West Nile virus, Zika virus , enteroviruses, and Lyme…

Symptoms of transverse myelitis may develop within a few hours or days. Or, they may develop over 1 to 4 weeks. Symptoms can quickly become severe. Symptoms tend to occur at or below the damaged area of the spinal cord. Both sides of the body are often affected, but sometimes only one side is affected. Symptoms…

Your health care provider will take your medical history and ask about your symptoms. The provider will also do a nervous system examination to check for: Weakness or loss of muscle function, such as muscle tone and reflexes Pain level Abnormal sensations Tests to diagnose transverse myelitis and to rule out other…

Treatment for transverse myelitis helps to: Treat an infection that caused the condition Reduce inflammation of the spinal cord Relieve or reduce symptoms You may be given: Steroid medicines through a vein (IV) to decrease inflammation. Plasma exchange therapy. This involves removing the liquid part of your blood…

You can ease the stress of illness by joining a support group. Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone. National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) -- rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/transverse-myelitis/ Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation --…

The outlook for people with transverse myelitis varies. Most recovery occurs within 3 months after the condition occurs. For some, healing may take months to years. About a third of people with transverse myelitis recover completely. Some people recover with moderate disabilities, such as bowel problems and trouble…

Ongoing health problems from transverse myelitis may include: Constant pain Partial or complete loss of muscle function Weakness Muscle tightness and spasticity Sexual problems

Contact your provider if: You notice a sudden, sharp pain in your back that shoots down your arms or legs or wraps around your trunk You develop sudden weakness or numbness of arm or leg You have loss of muscle function You have bladder problems (frequency or incontinence) or bowel problems (constipation) Your…

Fabian MT, Krieger SC, Lublin FD. Multiple sclerosis and other inflammatory demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 80. Lim PAC. Transverse…