DISEASES
description
Transverse myelitis (TM) is a neurological condition in which the spinal cord is inflamed. Transverse implies that the inflammation extends horizontally across the spinal cord. TM is characterized by weakness and numbness of the limbs, abnormal sensation and motor skills, dysfunctional urethral and anal sphincter activities, and dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system and high blood pressure. Signs and symptoms vary according to the affected level of the spinal cord. While the underlying cause of TM is unknown, in some patients it is related to autoimmune conditions such as SLE, anti-phospholipid syndrome and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders. In these instances, autoantibody testing can be helpful in deriving an accurate diagnosis.
Symptoms
- Pain (back pain, shooting pain down the legs or arms or around your chest or abdomen)
- Sensations of numbness, tingling, coldness or burning
- Sensitive to the touch of clothing
- Sensitive to heat or cold
- Sensation of something tightly wrapping the skin of the chest, abdomen or legs
- Weakness in arms or legs
- Paralysis
- Bladder and bowel problems (needing to urinate more frequently, urinary incontinence, difficulty urinating and constipation)