Transverse Myelitis - Johns Hopkins Medicine
Transverse Myelitis - Johns Hopkins Medicine
Transverse Myelitis - Johns Hopkins Medicine
Health
(https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health)
Transverse Myelitis
Brain, Nerves and Spine (https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/brain-nerves-and-spine)
Transverse myelitis is a relatively rare disease. It occurs most often in children ages 10 to 19 and in adults ages 30 to 39,
but it can happen at any age.
(https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org-/media/ksw-
images/anerv20140401v0001300x300.ashx)
Lyme disease
Syphilis
Measles
Viral infections
Bacterial infections
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/transverse-myelitis 1/6
9/25/22, 5:07 PM Transverse Myelitis | Johns Hopkins Medicine
Some people may also get transverse myelitis as a result of spinal injuries, spinal defects, or vascular diseases like
atherosclerosis, all of which can reduce the amount of oxygen in spinal cord tissue.
If parts of the spinal cord don’t have enough oxygen, nerve cells often start to die. The dying tissue can cause the
inflammation that leads to transverse myelitis.
Transverse myelitis can also be a warning sign of multiple sclerosis, but this is rare. Since some people with transverse
myelitis have autoimmune diseases such as lupus, some doctors believe that transverse myelitis may also be an
autoimmune disease. Finally, some cancers can trigger an immune response that leads to transverse myelitis.
Where in the body these symptoms occur depends on what part of the spinal cord is inflamed. People with
inflammation in the neck typically feel symptoms from the neck down, while inflammation in the middle of the spine
can cause symptoms from the waist down.
Another common test is myelography, a procedure in which a needle is used to inject a special dye into your spinal
area. A technician will then use a real-time X-ray called fluoroscopy to get pictures of your spinal cord.
Blood tests and a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) may also be done to rule out other causes for transverse myelitis.
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/transverse-myelitis 2/6
9/25/22, 5:07 PM Transverse Myelitis | Johns Hopkins Medicine
(https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org-/media/ksw-images/pnerv20140304v0002300x300.ashx)
If all potential underlying causes of transverse myelitis have been ruled out, it is called idiopathic.
If steroids don’t relieve the symptoms of transverse myelitis, your provider may try a procedure called plasma
exchange, which exchanges the plasma in your blood for new plasma. This procedure removes harmful antibodies from
the blood.
Depending on the type and severity of the effects of transverse myelitis, you may require physical therapy. A period of
specialized in-patient care in a rehabilitation facility may be necessary.
When recovery from transverse myelitis occurs, it usually begins from 2 to 12 weeks after you first have symptoms and
can take up to 2 years. Most people will only have a single episode of transverse myelitis, but a few people may have a
recurrence.
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/transverse-myelitis 3/6
9/25/22, 5:07 PM Transverse Myelitis | Johns Hopkins Medicine
Some people who get transverse myelitis are left with permanent physical disabilities, such as muscle stiffness, loss of
bowel or bladder function, muscle weakness, or even paralysis. If you have any of these impairments, physical therapy
will likely be a very important part of your treatment. In this treatment, specialists will work with you to maintain or
increase your strength, improve your coordination, and help you gain more control over bladder and bowel functions.
Another type of therapy is occupational therapy, which helps you learn new ways of doing everyday tasks, like bathing,
in spite of your new physical limitations.
Finally, some people with physical disabilities often feel sad or depressed. If this happens to you, your provider may
recommend that you see a mental health professional. Antidepressants and psychotherapy, or “talk therapy,” can help
treat depression.
Your healthcare provider will likely advise you to call him or her if any symptoms you are having become worse,
including weakness, numbness or other changes in sensation, or changes in bladder or bowel control.
People who have serious long-term effects from transverse myelitis, such as paralysis or loss of bladder or bowel
control, can also develop a number of other complications. Your provider might advise you to call them if you have
problems such as:
Trouble breathing
Increasing pain
Key points
Transverse myelitis is an inflammation of part of the spinal cord. The exact cause is often not known, but it sometimes
happens after infections or in people with autoimmune diseases.
Common symptoms are back or neck pain, weakness or sensation changes in the arms or legs, or loss of bladder or
bowel control.
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/transverse-myelitis 4/6
9/25/22, 5:07 PM Transverse Myelitis | Johns Hopkins Medicine
Treatment with steroids or other drugs doesn't cure transverse myelitis, but it might relieve symptoms. Some people
recover fully, while others might have minor or more serious long-term problems.
Next steps
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.
At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any
new instructions your provider gives you.
Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.
Request an Appointment
Maryland 410-955-5000
Outside of Maryland 855-695-4872
International +1-410-502-7683
Related
Overview of Nervous System Disorders
(https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-
diseases/overview-of-nervous-system-disorders)
Intraventricular Hemorrhage
(https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-
diseases/intraventricular-hemorrhage)
Essential Tremor Disorder
(https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-
diseases/essential-tremor-disorder)
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/transverse-myelitis 5/6
9/25/22, 5:07 PM Transverse Myelitis | Johns Hopkins Medicine
Related Topics
Brain, Nerves and Spine (https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/brain-nerves-and-spine)
Copyright © 2022 The Johns Hopkins University, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Johns Hopkins Health System. All rights reserved.
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/transverse-myelitis 6/6