Transverse myelitis
6-minute read
Key facts
- Transverse myelitis (TM) is a condition that causes inflammation in your spinal cord.
- Symptoms can include loss of muscle strength, feelings of 'pins and needles' and problems with your bladder and bowel function.
- There are different causes of TM, including infections and problems with your immune system.
- Tests to help diagnose transverse myelitis include blood tests, an MRI scan and a lumbar puncture.
- There are treatments available to help your symptoms and reduce the chance of the condition coming back.
What is transverse myelitis?
Transverse myelitis (TM) is a condition that causes inflammation in your spinal cord. It is sometimes the first sign of multiple sclerosis.
Symptoms can include weakness in your legs or arms that gets worse over days or weeks.
Transverse myelitis is uncommon. It affects females more than males and can happen in both adults and children.
What are the symptoms of transverse myelitis?
Symptoms of transverse myelitis usually develop over days or weeks. They usually affect both sides of your body but not your face.
Symptoms can include:
- weakness in your arms and legs, or just your legs
- feelings of tingling or numbness
- bladder problems — needing to urinate (wee) more than usual, sudden urges to urinate, incontinence (where you can't control your bladder) or not being able to urinate
- bowel problems — including constipation or faecal incontinence (where you can't control your bowel)
You can also have pain. This may be a constant and severe pain in the middle of your back or muscle spasms and pain in your arms and legs.
What causes transverse myelitis?
There are several causes of TM. The most common causes are multiple sclerosis and a condition called 'neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder'.
TM may also be caused or triggered by:
- infections — bacterial, fungal, parasitic and viral infections
- having a vaccination — this is rare
- conditions such as lupus, sarcoidosis and Sjogren's syndrome
- some cancers that lead to an unusual response from your immune system
Sometimes the exact cause of TM is unknown.
When should I see my doctor?
If you or someone else suddenly has symptoms of transverse myelitis that are quickly getting worse, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
Go to your closest emergency department if you have:
- weakness in any of your limbs
- shooting pains or sensation changes in your arms or legs
- problems with bowel or bladder function
If you have milder, ongoing symptoms, you should see your doctor.
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How is transverse myelitis diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine you. They may recommend tests to help make the diagnosis and find out the cause.
Your doctor may also refer you to a neurologist (a doctor who treats conditions of the brain and nerves) for diagnosis and treatment.
Tests for transverse myelitis can include:
- blood tests
- an MRI scan of your brain and spinal cord
- a lumbar puncture
During a lumbar puncture, your doctor will take a sample of your spinal fluid. They will send it to the lab to help make the diagnosis and find a cause for your condition.
How is transverse myelitis treated?
The aim of treatment for transverse myelitis is to:
- treat your symptoms
- prevent and treat complications
- prevent relapse
Initial treatment
Initial treatment may be in hospital with corticosteroid medicines. The medicine is given intravenously (through a vein) for 3 to 5 days. It helps reduce the swelling and inflammation in your spinal cord.
Plasmapheresis (plasma exchange therapy) can help if you don't respond well to corticosteroid therapy or if your symptoms are severe.
Ongoing treatment and follow up
Ongoing treatment may be needed to prevent another episode of TM. This may include medicines to suppress your immune system or longer-term corticosteroid medicines.
Recovery depends on several factors. Some people have a complete recovery, while others can have ongoing problems.
Follow-up will be needed with your doctor, usually for at least 6 to 12 months.
Your doctor may also recommend you see a:
- physiotherapist — to help improve movement, function and strength
- occupational therapist — if you need help to move around
- continence advisor
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What are the complications of transverse myelitis?
Complications of TM can include:
- ongoing weakness and muscle problems that affect how you move around
- neuropathic pain (nerve pain)
- ongoing bladder or bowel problems
- blood clots in your legs
Can transverse myelitis be prevented?
There is no definite way to prevent TM. However, good hygiene practices and vaccination may help you avoid some infections. This may lower your chance of developing TM.
Also, managing any autoimmune conditions will lower your chance of TM happening again.
Resources and support
The Brain Foundation has information about transverse myelitis.
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.