Transverse myelitis is an inflammation that happens on both sides of a specific section of the spinal cord.  Primarily, it is a neurological disorder that can often damage the insulating material which covers nerve cell fibers also known as myelin. By blocking the spinal cord nerves and not letting them send messages to the body, it disrupts the body's overall functioning. This serious disorder can cause pain, muscle weakness, paralysis, bowel dysfunction, and several sensory problems. There are many causes that lead to this problem but primarily it occurs due to  viral and bacterial infections. Skin infections arising from bacteria, gastroenteritis and certain types of bacterial pneumonia also may cause transverse myelitis. In  some cases,  Rarely, parasites or fungal infections may  also infect the spinal cord and cause this health problem.
transverse myelitis

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Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of transverse myelitis usually develop over a few days and may also go on for many weeks. Major signs and symptoms include:

Pain: Beginning from lower back, a sharp pain may shoot down your legs or arms, around your chest or near the abdomen. 

Intermittent Sensations: Some people feel sensations of numbness, tingling and even coldness. Sensitivity to extreme heat or cold also develop.

Weakness in Limbs: Some people notice heaviness in the legs. A total paralysis can also occur in some people.

Bladder and bowel problems.  Urinary incontinence, difficulty urinating and constipation can also be some of the symptoms.

Causes

The exact reason for transverse myelitis is not known, but mostly, viral, bacterial, and fungal infections and some inflammatory conditions that have attacked the spinal cord are the primary cause of transverse myelitis.  

Viral infections associated with transverse myelitis are:

  • Herpes viruses
  • Cytomegalovirus
  • Epstein-Barr virus- EBV
  • HIV
  • Echovirus
  • Zika
  • Influenza
  • Hepatitis B
  • Rubella

Bacterial infections associated with transverse myelitis are:

  • Lyme disease
  • Syphilis
  • Tuberculosis
  • Actinomyces
  • Pertussis
  • Tetanus
  • Diphtheria

Also Read: Diphtheria: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Other Problems Associated With Transverse Myelitis 

There are some ailments that can be a potential trigger for transverse myelitis or can a sign of some chronic ailments. One of them is multiple sclerosis (a disorder in which the immune system destroys myelin surrounding nerves in your spinal cord and brain.) Transverse myelitis can be an initial symptom of multiple sclerosis. Autoimmune disorders also contribute to transverse myelitis in some people. Some of them are  lupus (illness that affects multiple body systems) and Sjogren's syndrome. Vaccinations for infectious diseases are also a possible cause or trigger for  transverse myelitis. Sarcoidosis- an ailment causing inflammation in parts of spinal cord and optic nerve  can lead to onset of transverse myelitis.

Also Read:  Sjogren's Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, Risk factors And Treatment

Complications

People who get affected with transverse myelitis generally experience only one episode but in some cases the complications do not go away. Some of them are:

  • Chronic pain
  • Stiffness or tightness in the spinal area
  • Painful spasms
  • Partial or complete paralysis of upper and lower limbs
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Depression 

Treatment For Transverse Myelitis

Since transverse myelitis can occur due to various reasons, each condition may require different treatment approaches. By and large, the treatment for transverse myelitis includes medications and rehabilitative therapies. Difficult to  treat, while most people with transverse myelitis recover partially but the ones who face severe transverse myelitis attacks many get long term disabilities.