Leon Barretto

Transverse Myelitis is a rare condition, June 9th is observed as Transverse Myelitis Awareness Day. Transverse Myelitis Awareness Day is held to raise awareness for transverse myelitis (TM), to spread information about the condition and help those who suffer from it. ​Transverse Myelitis Awareness Day is an opportunity for TM Society supporters to work together to educate make a difference to the lives of people affected by 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). Transverse myelitis interrupts the messages that the spinal cord nerves send throughout the body.

The exact cause of the damage to the spinal cord has not yet been determined with certainty but it is thought that it may be due to an autoimmune reaction to a viral or bacterial infection. People with symptoms of transverse myelitis may: Develop a rapidly progressive disorder with back pain, numbness, and tingling in the legs, trunk, and sometimes arms. Have weakness in the legs and sometimes in the arms. The weakness may become severe at times, leading to complete paralysis. While some people may use a wheelchair for a full or part of the time, others may have no visible symptoms. Just because the person looks healthy, it does not mean they are feeling fine. A person with TM may not dwell on their condition or may minimize the effect it has on them as a coping strategy.

The main symptoms of TM :

Muscle weakness in the legs (and, less commonly, in the arms), change in sensation (unusual feelings) in the lower half of the body, pain, and problems with the bowel and bladder. People might also experience fever, headache, tiredness, muscle spasms (spasticity), and a general feeling of being unwell. But symptoms vary depending on what section of the spinal cord is affected

Transverse myelitis occurs in adults and children, in males and females, and in all races.

• Females have a higher risk of transverse myelitis than males.
• No genetic pattern is known. Transverse myelitis is not related to family history.
• The symptoms of transverse myelitis can appear suddenly, developing over hours to several days or more gradually developing over a period of 1 to 4 weeks.

TM affects people of all ages from 5 months to 80 years

Medication:

Currently, there is no cure for TM. The most common form of treatment is corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, and sometimes plasma exchange. Pain relief medication for neuropathic pain is prescribed where needed. Issues with balance, mobility, spasticity, and pain can also be treated through neuro-physiotherapy

Around one-third of people with TM will make a good or full recovery. Another third will experience some recovery and may have a moderate degree of disability. The remainder will make little or no recovery and have a permanent disability. Recovery usually begins within two months and can continue for up to two years and beyond.