What is Transverse Myelitis?

Transverse myelitis is an inflammation of both sides of one section of the spinal cord. This neurological disorder often damages the insulating material covering nerve cell fibers (myelin), interrupting messages that the spinal cord nerves send throughout the body.

Causes & Types

• Post-Infectious / Autoimmune: Immune system reaction following viral infections.
• Neuromyelitis Optica (NMOSD) & MS: Associated with specific autoantibodies (AQP4, MOG).
• Vascular Myelopathies: Spinal cord infarction or dural arteriovenous fistulas.
• Infectious Myelitis: Herpes viruses, enteroviruses, tuberculosis, Lyme disease.

Symptoms

• Sudden weakness in arms and/or legs (paraparesis or quadriparesis)
• Sharp band-like pain around the chest, abdomen, or lower back
• Sensory loss below a specific level on the torso or legs (sensory level)
• Bladder and bowel dysfunction (urgency, incontinence, or urinary retention)

Emergency Neurological Care

Immediate high-dose intravenous corticosteroid pulse therapy, plasma exchange (plasmapheresis), immunomodulatory agents, MRI spine evaluation, and intensive neuro-rehabilitation directed by Dr. Rajni Fulwariya.