What is Transverse myelitis?

What is Transverse myelitis?

• Transverse myelitis: Inflammation of the spinal cord which results in various neurological and muscle symptoms. The inflammation can occur for no obvious reason or may result from a virus, bacterial infection, autoimmune disease or vaccination. The type and severity of symptoms is determined by the location and degree of inflammation.
• Transverse myelitis: Inflammation of a transverse portion of the spinal cord characterized by acute or subacute segmental demyelination or necrosis. The condition may occur sporadically, follow an infection or vaccination, or present as a paraneoplastic syndrome (see also ENCEPHALOMYELITIS, ACUTE DISSEMINATED). Clinical manifestations include motor weakness, sensory loss, and incontinence. (Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, pp1242-6)
  Source - Diseases Database

Transverse myelitis: Introduction

Types of Transverse myelitis:

Broader types of Transverse myelitis:

• Myelitis
• Demyelinating disorder
• Demyelinating disorder
• Spinal Cord Disorders
• more types...»

How serious is Transverse myelitis?

Prognosis of Transverse myelitis: Variable. Recovery typically within 2-12 weeks but can last 2 years. Some complications may be permanent.
Complications of Transverse myelitis: see complications of Transverse myelitis
Prognosis of Transverse myelitis: Generally, prognosis for complete recovery from transverse myelitis is not good. Although recovery usually begins between 2 and 12 weeks after onset and may continue for up to 2 years, most individuals are left with considerable disability. Some individuals may have minor or no deficits, while others may have significant motor, sensory, and sphincter (bowel) deficits. Some individuals show no recovery at all. (Source: excerpt from NINDS Transverse Myelitis Information Page: NINDS)

What causes Transverse myelitis?

Causes of Transverse myelitis: see causes of Transverse myelitis
Causes of Transverse myelitis: Transverse myelitis may be caused by viral infections, spinal cord injuries, immune reactions, or insufficient blood flow through the blood vessels in the spinal cord. It may also occur as a complication of such disorders as optic neuromyelitis, multiple sclerosis, smallpox, measles, or chickenpox. (Source: excerpt from NINDS Transverse Myelitis Information Page: NINDS)
Risk factors for Transverse myelitis: see risk factors for Transverse myelitis

What are the symptoms of Transverse myelitis?

Symptoms of Transverse myelitis: see symptoms of Transverse myelitis

Complications of Transverse myelitis: see complications of Transverse myelitis

Transverse myelitis: Testing

Diagnostic testing: see tests for Transverse myelitis.

Misdiagnosis: see misdiagnosis and Transverse myelitis.

How is it treated?

Treatments for Transverse myelitis: see treatments for Transverse myelitis
Research for Transverse myelitis: see research for Transverse myelitis

Organs Affected by Transverse myelitis:

Organs and body systems related to Transverse myelitis include:

• Spinal cord
• Nerves
• Myelin

Name and Aliases of Transverse myelitis

Main name of condition: Transverse myelitis

Research the causes of these diseases that are similar to, or related to, Transverse myelitis:

• Ascending Myelitis
• Brown-Sequard Syndrome
• Concussion Myelitis
• Foix-Alajouanine Myelitis
• Subacute Necrotizing Myelitis
• Funicular Myelitis
• Systemic Myelitis

 » Next page: Online Medical Textbooks for Transverse myelitis

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