What's transverse myelitis?

Transverse myelitis (TM) is a neurological condition characterized by an inflammation of the spinal cord. This results in nerve impulses becoming totally blocked at various points. The severity of TM depends upon the severity and extent of the inflammation and at what level the spinal cord is affected. In general, the higher up it is affected, the more severe the impairment. Therefore, inflammation near the neck area of the spinal cord is more severe than inflammation further down the spinal column.

Transverse myelitis can cause low back pain, spinal cord dysfunction, muscle spasms, a general feeling of discomfort, headache, loss of appetite, and numbness or tingling in the legs. TM affects the entire thickness of the spinal cord, producing both sensory and movement problems. It is believed to be linked to the immune system, which may be prompted to attack the body's own spinal cord. Striking rapidly without warning, its effects can be devastating. Almost all patients develop leg weakness. The arms are involved in a minority of cases. (This depends upon the level of spinal cord involvement.) Sensation, pain and temperature sensation are typically diminished below the level of spinal cord involvement. Appreciation of vibration and joint position sense may also be decreased. Bladder and bowel sphincter control is disturbed in the majority of cases. Many patients with transverse myelitis report a tight banding or girdle-like sensation around the trunk and that area may be very sensitive to touch.

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