PATIENT EDUCATION  

Transverse Myelitis
Elsevier Patient Education © 2021 Elsevier Inc..

Last revised: July 27, 2021.

Transverse myelitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the spinal cord. The inflammation affects the
fatty lining that covers spinal cord nerves (myelin). It can cause scarring of nerves, which can interfere with
nerve signals passing to and from the spinal cord.

Signs and symptoms of this condition happen at the affected level of the spinal cord and below. The
condition most often causes weakness of the arms or legs, pain, changes in feeling (sensation) in the arms
or legs, and bowel and bladder problems.

What are the causes?

The exact cause of this condition is not known. It sometimes develops after a viral infection, such as herpes,
chicken pox, cytomegalovirus, HIV, or Epstein–Barr virus. It can also occur after a bacterial infection or
along with diseases that make the body's defense system (immune system) mistakenly attack healthy tissues
(autoimmune diseases).

What increases the risk?

You are more likely to develop this condition if you have an autoimmune disease, such as multiple sclerosis,
neuromyelitis optica, or lupus.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition may start suddenly within hours or develop gradually over weeks. Symptoms
include:
Pain, especially in the neck, chest, or back, with shooting pains into the legs.

Weakness of the arms or the legs.

 Difficulty walking, including foot dragging and stumbling.

Abnormal sensations, such as burning, prickling, numbness, or tingling, in the arms or legs.

Increased sensitivity to touch or changes in temperature.

Bowel and bladder problems, including an increased need to go, loss of control, and difficulty going to
the bathroom.

Other symptoms include:

Fatigue.

Fever.

Loss of appetite.

Headache.

Difficulty breathing.

Paralysis.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed with a neurological exam. During this exam, your health care provider will
ask about your symptoms and do a complete physical exam to check your spinal cord function. You may
need to see a nervous system specialist (neurologist) to have tests. Tests may include:
An MRI to check for inflammation or scarring in the spinal cord.

Blood tests to check for:

Infections that can trigger this condition.

Neuromyelitis optica.

A lumbar puncture to check your spinal fluid for signs of infection or inflammation. For this
procedure, a small amount of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord is removed and
examined.

How is this treated?

There is no cure for this condition. You may have treatment to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms.
Often, treatment and monitoring are needed in the hospital setting. This condition may be treated with:
Pain medicine.

Corticosteroid medicines to reduce inflammation. These are usually given through an IV at first. Later,
they may be taken by mouth.
 Breathing support with a device called a respirator.

Physical therapy to:

Reduce the risk of bedsores.

Improve muscle strength, flexibility, coordination, and range of motion in affected muscles.

Reduce muscle spasms and muscle wasting in paralyzed arms or legs.

Improve control over your bladder and bowel.

Occupational therapy. This therapy helps you learn how to care for yourself and do everyday tasks such
as bathing and dressing. It cannot reverse problems caused by this condition, but it can help you
become as independent as possible.

Follow these instructions at home:

Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.

Rest at home as told by your health care provider until you start to recover strength and movement.
Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.

Do exercises as told by your health care provider.

Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

Your symptoms are not improving or are getting worse.

You have symptoms that come back after going away.

You are having a hard time managing at home.

Get help right away if you:

Cannot care for yourself at home.

Have trouble breathing.

Summary
Transverse myelitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the spinal cord. Signs and symptoms of
this condition happen at the affected level of the spinal cord and below.

There is no cure for this condition. You may have treatment in the hospital setting to reduce
inflammation and manage symptoms.
 Treatment may include pain medicine, corticosteroid medicines, breathing support with a respirator,
physical therapy, and occupational therapy.

Rest at home as told by your health care provider until you start to recover strength and movement.
Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.

Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you
discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.

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