Paralysis Resource Guide - (Page 56) CONDITIONS TRANSVERSE MYELITIS Transverse myelitis (TM) is a neurological disorder caused by inflammation of the spinal cord. The term “myelitis” refers to inflammation of the spinal cord; “transverse” describes the position of the inflammation across the width of one spinal cord segment. Attacks of inflammation can damage or destroy myelin, the fatty insulating substance that covers nerve cell fibers. This causes scars that interrupt communication between the nerves in the spinal cord and the rest of the body. Symptoms of TM include a loss of spinal cord function over several hours to several weeks. What usually begins as a sudden onset of lower back pain, muscle weakness or abnormal In TM, a sudden onset sensations in the toes and feet can rapidly progress to more of back pain or muscle severe symptoms, including weakness can rapidly paralysis. Demyelination progress to more (loss of nerve fiber conductivsevere symptoms, ity) usually occurs at the thoracic level, causing probincluding paralysis. lems with leg movement and bowel and bladder control. Some people recover from TM with minor or no lasting problems, while others have permanent impairments that affect their ability to perform ordinary tasks of daily living. Transverse myelitis occurs in adults and children, in men and women, and in all races. No familial predisposition is apparent. The peak number of new cases per year appears to occur in people between 10 and 19 years and 30 and 39 years. About 1,400 new cases of transverse myelitis are diagnosed annually in the United States, and approximately 33,000 Americans have some type of disability resulting from TM. The exact causes of transverse myelitis are not known. The inflammation that damages the spinal cord may result from viral infections, abnormal immune reactions or insufficient blood flow through the blood vessels located in the spinal cord. Transverse myelitis may also occur as a complication of syphilis, measles, “ ” 56
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