Transverse Myelitis

Transverse myelitis is an inflammation of both sides of one section of the spinal cord. This neurological disorder often damages the insulating material covering nerve cell fibers (myelin).

Transverse myelitis interrupts the messages that the spinal cord nerves send throughout the body. This can cause pain, muscle weakness, paralysis, sensory problems, or bladder and bowel dysfunction.

Several factors can cause transverse myelitis, including infections and immune system disorders that attack the body's tissues. It could also be caused by other myelin disorders, such as multiple sclerosis.

Treatment for transverse myelitis includes medications and rehabilitative therapy. Most people with transverse myelitis recover at least partially. Those with severe attacks sometimes are left with major disabilities.

Support Organisations

Transverse Myelitis Society

Transverse Myelitis Society (Facebook Page)

Parents of Children with Transverse Myelitis, ADEMS, NMO and ON in Europe (Facebook page)

Transverse Myelitis Scotland including ADEM, NMO, ON or DEVIC’S (Facebook page)

Latest

Spring 2024
Inclusive Kerb Rig Experiment

Edinburgh Napier University are recruiting volunteers as participants in their inclusive kerb rig experiment.
Peer Support Outreach Advisor - Aberdeen & Grampian Area

Working from home, you will be attending Outreach Clinics offering support to patients, their families and friends to help them come to terms of living with a spinal cord injury (SCI). This service would be within the NHS and support patients at discharge. This role would also be offering local support to our membership and organsing events to offer peer support.
International Nurses Day 2024

International Nurses Day 2024 Nominate a nurse

Conus Medullaris Syndrome

Here a fracture of the T11/T12 vertebra has damaged the spinal cord at the level of the 5th Lumbar nerve.
Posterior Cord Syndrome

This is a very rare incomplete injury and usually is caused by a medical mishap such as a tumour or lack of blood supply.
Anterior Cord Syndrome

Caused by the fractured vertebra crushing the front of the spinal cord.
Central Cord Syndrome

As we get older we develop arthritis in our neck with the ligaments, discs and joints of the neck stiffening, and osteophytes (extra bone formations) forming within the spinal canal.
Brown-Séquard Syndrome

Brown-Séquard syndrome is caused by damage to one half of the spinal cord, resulting in paralysis and loss of proprioception on the same side as the injury or lesion, and loss of pain and temperature sensation on the opposite side as the lesion.
Guillain-Barré syndrome

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare and serious condition of the peripheral nervous system. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks part of the nervous system.
Cauda equina syndrome

Cauda equina syndrome is a serious condition where the nerves at the very bottom of the spinal cord become compressed.