What is Transverse Myelitis
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myelin encasing the spinal cord, also known as demyelination. This
demyelination arises idiopathically following infections or
vaccination, or due to multiple sclerosis. One major theory of the
cause is that an immune-mediated inflammation is present as the result
of exposure to a viral antigen.
The lesions are inflammatory, and involve the spinal cord on both
sides. With acute transverse myelitis, the onset is sudden and
progresses rapidly in hours and days. The lesions can be present
anywhere in the spinal cord, though it is usually restricted to only a
small portion.
In some cases, the disease is presumedly caused by viral infections or
vaccinations and has also been associated with spinal cord injuries,
immune reactions, schistosomiasis and insufficient blood flow through
spinal cord vessels. Symptoms include weakness and numbness of the
limbs as well as motor, sensory, and sphincter deficits. Severe
backpain may occur in some patients at the onset of the disease.
Treatment is usually symptomatic only, corticosteroids being used with
limited success. A major differentiation or distinction to be made is a
similar condition due to compression of the spinal cord in the spinal
canal, due to disease of the surrounding vertebral column.
Prognosis for complete recovery is generally poor. Recovery from
transverse myelitis usually begins between weeks 2 and 12 following
onset and may continue for up to 2 years in some patients, many of whom
are left with considerable disabilities. Some patients show no signs of
recovery whatsoever.