Transverse myelitis is a neurological disorder caused by inflammation across both sides of one level, or segment, of the spinal cord. The segment of the spinal cord at which the damage occurs determines which parts of the body are affected. Damage at one segment will affect function at that segment and segments below it. In people with transverse myelitis, inflammation usually occurs at the thoracic (upper back) level, causing problems with leg movement and bowel and bladder control, which require signals from the lower segments of the spinal cord. 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.
No effective cure currently exists for people with transverse myelitis. Physicians often prescribe corticosteroid therapy
during the first few weeks of illness to decrease inflammation. Following initial therapy, the most critical part of the
treatment for this disorder consists of keeping the patient’s body functioning while hoping for either complete or partial
spontaneous recovery of the nervous system. If an individual begins to recover limb control, physical therapy begins to help
improve muscle strength, coordination, and range of motion.
Recovery from transverse myelitis usually begins within 2 to 12 weeks of the onset of symptoms and may continue for up to
2 years. However, if there is no improvement within the first 3 to 6 months, significant recovery is unlikely. About one-third
of people affected with transverse myelitis experience good or full recovery from their symptoms. Another one-third show only fair recovery and are left with significant deficits. The remaining one-third show no recovery at all, with marked dependence on others for basic functions of daily living.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) conducts research related to transverse myelitis in its
laboratories at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and also supports additional transverse myelitis research through
grants to major medical institutions across the country. Some studies focus on strategies to repair the spinal cord, including
approaches using cell transplantation. The NINDS also funds researchers who are using animal models of spinal cord injury
to study strategies for replacement or regeneration of spinal cord nerve cells. The knowledge gained from such research should
lead to a greater knowledge of the mechanisms responsible for transverse myelitis and may ultimately provide a means to prevent
and treat this disorder.
Transverse Myelitis Association 1787 Sutter Parkway Powell, OH 43065-8806 info@myelitis.org http://www.myelitis.org Tel: 614-766-1806 |
American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA) P.O. Box 850 Rocklin, CA 95677-0850 ACPA@pacbell.net http://www.theacpa.org Tel: 916-632-0922 800-533-3231 Fax: 916-652-8190 |
Miami Project to Cure Paralysis/
Buoniconti Fund P.O. Box 016960 R-48 Miami, FL 33101-6960 mpinfo@miamiproject.med.miami.edu http://www.themiamiproject.org Tel: 305-243-6001 800-STANDUP (782-6387) Fax: 305-243-6017 |
National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC) 4200 Forbes Boulevard Suite 202 Lanham, MD 20706-4829 naricinfo@heitechservices.com http://www.naric.com Tel: 301-459-5900/301-459-5984 (TTY) 800-346-2742 Fax: 301-562-2401 |
Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.
All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.
Last updated January 13, 2009