National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Transverse Myelitis
is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find
the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.
Synonyms
- None
Disorder Subdivisions
- Ascending Myelitis
- Brown-Sequard Syndrome
- Concussion Myelitis
- Foix-Alajouanine Myelitis
- Subacute Necrotizing Myelitis
- Funicular Myelitis
- Systemic Myelitis
General Discussion
Transverse myelitis is a neurological disorder of the spine caused by inflammation across the spinal cord. It is sometimes associated with the term myelopathy, which refers to any disorder of the spinal cord. However, transverse myelitis is a more specific term for inflammation (myelitis) across the width of the spinal cord (transverse) that results in changed function below this level while function remains normal above. Symptoms are related to movement and sensory functions. This disorder occurs in both adults and children, and typically begins with a rather rapid development of symptoms over the course of several hours, days, or weeks. Symptoms may include lower back pain, weakness in the legs and arms, sensory disturbance, spasms leading to gradual paralysis, and bowel or bladder disfunction.
In most cases, this is a disorder that occurs on a single occasion, although a small number of individuals may experience recurrence. The initial occurrence may be followed, over a period of several weeks or months, by a period of recovery, although this does not happen in all cases. There is considerable variability in the degree of recovery achieved. Transverse myelitis is sometimes associated with other diseases, including systemic autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosis and sarcoidosis. It may be occur following viral or bacterial infections, especially those associated with a rash, spinal cord injuries, or immune reactions.
Resources
Transverse Myelitis Association
1787 Sutter Parkway
Powell, OH 43065-8806
USA
Tel: 6147661806
Email: ssiegel@myelitis.org
Internet: http://www.myelitis.org
Spinal Cord Society
19051 County Hwy. 1
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
USA
Tel: 2187395252
Fax: 2187395262
Internet: http://users.aol.com/scsweb
American Paraplegia Society
75-20 Astoria Boulevard
Jackson Heights, NY 11370-1177
USA
Tel: 7188033782
Fax: 7188030414
Email: aps@UnitedSpinal.ORG
Internet: http://www.apssci.org
National Spinal Cord Injury Association
6701 Democracy
Suite 300-9
Bethesda, MD 20817
USA
Tel: 3012144006
Fax: 3018819817
Tel: 8009629629
Email: info@spinalcord.org
Internet: http://www.spinalcord.org
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
31 Center Drive
8A07
Bethesda, MD 20892-2540
Tel: (301)496-5751
Fax: (301)402-2186
Tel: (800)352-9424
Email: braininfo@ninds.nih.gov
Internet: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/
Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation
500 Morris Ave
Springfield, NJ 07081
USA
Tel: 9733792690
Fax: 9739129433
Tel: 8002250292
Email: info@crof.org
Internet: http://www.crpf.org, http://www.paralysis.org
Devic's Support
168 North Redwood Ct.
Newport News, VA 23608
Tel: (757)369-8694
Email: Devics-support@googlegroups.com
Internet: http://groups.google.com/group/Devics-support
For a Complete Report
This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html
The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.
It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.
For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org
Last Updated: 4/22/2008
Copyright 1988, 1989, 1996, 2004 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
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