*Transverse myelitis
Summary
Transverse myelitis is a neurological disorder caused by inflammation across both sides of one level, or segment, of the spinal cord…Attacks of inflammation can damage or destroy myelin, the fatty insulating substance that covers nerve cell fibers. This damage causes nervous system scars that interrupt communications between the nerves in the spinal cord and the rest of the body. Symptoms of transverse myelitis include a loss of spinal cord function over several hours to several weeks. What usually begins as a sudden onset of lower back pain, muscle weakness, or abnormal sensations in the toes and feet can rapidly progress to more severe symptoms, including paralysis, urinary retention, and loss of bowel control. Transverse myelitis often develops following viral infections and is considered to be autoimmune related. Although some patients recover from transverse myelitis with minor or no residual problems, others suffer permanent impairments that affect their ability to perform ordinary tasks of daily living. Most patients will have only one episode of transverse myelitis; a small percentage may have a recurrence. Transverse myelitis occurs in adults and children, in both genders, and in all races. No familial predisposition is apparent. A peak in incidence rates (the number of new cases per year) appears to occur between 10 and 19 years and 30 and 39 years.
From the Autoimmune Association.
Symptoms
Pain. Transverse myelitis pain may begin suddenly in your lower back. Sharp pain may shoot down your legs or arms or around your chest or abdomen. Pain symptoms vary based on the part of your spinal cord that's affected.
Abnormal sensations. Some people with transverse myelitis report sensations of numbness, tingling, coldness or burning. Some are especially sensitive to the light touch of clothing or to extreme heat or cold. You may feel as if something is tightly wrapping the skin of your chest, abdomen or legs.
Weakness in your arms or legs. Some people notice heaviness in the legs, or that they're stumbling or dragging one foot. Others may develop severe weakness or even total paralysis.
Bladder and bowel problems. This may include needing to urinate more frequently, urinary incontinence, difficulty urinating and constipation.
From the Autoimmune Association.
Diagnostic Criteria
Under Investigation
Diagnostic Tests
Under Investigation
Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) Associations
Under Investigation
Tissue-Type or Cell-Type Attacked
Under Investigation
Attacking Immune Cell Type or Process
Under Investigation
Treatment Modality
Under Investigation
Managing Specialist(s)
Under Investigation
Associated Infections
Under Investigation
Associated Toxins
Under Investigation
Research Authors
Under Investigation
Research Institutions
Under Investigation
Average Time from Symptom Onset to Diagnosis
Under Investigation
Last Updated
October 14, 2022
References
Transverse myelitis. Autoimmune Association. (2022, February 10). Retrieved October 13, 2022, from https://autoimmune.org/disease-information/transverse-myelitis/