Transverse Myelitis

Original Editor - Wendy Walker

Lead Editors  Wendy Walker

Introduction

Transverse Myelitis (TM), AKA Acute Transverse Myelitis (ATM) is a rare neurological disorder of the spinal cord, caused by inflammation and occurring across one spinal segment, leading to severe motor, sensory and autonomic dysfunction.

The incidence of TM is 1 (severe) to 8 (mild) cases/million per year.

Mechanism of Injury / Pathological Process

The mechanism of injury is inflammation of the spinal cord causing damage to the myelin sheath of the nerves.

Clinical Presentation

• Sensory, motor, or autonomic dysfunction attributable to the spinal cord
• Bilateral signs and/or symptoms
• Clearly defined sensory level

The symptoms of TM include muscle weakness, paralysis, parasthesia, neuropathic pain, spasticity, as well as bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction. - See more at: http://www.myelitis.org.uk/symptoms-and-diagnosis.html#sthash.ZRv8wney.dpuf

There is tremendous variability in the presentation of symptoms, which are based on the level of the spinal cord affected and on the severity of the damage to the myelin and the neurons in the spinal cord.

Diagnostic Procedures

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Outcome Measures

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Management / Interventions

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Differential Diagnosis

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Key Evidence

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Resources

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Case Studies

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References

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