Transverse myelitis occurs when there is inflammation present along some portion of the spinal cord. It can be isolated to one specific segment, be along one side of it, or encompass the entire spinal cord. The inflammation can then begin destroying the myelin that protects the nerves, which often results in neurological symptoms. These symptoms can be temporary, chronic, and sometimes even debilitating. Most people who suffer from transverse myelitis will only have on incident of it occur.
Facts About Transverse Myelitis
1. There are two peak times when transverse myelitis tends to occur: between the ages of 10-19 and then later on between 30-39.
2. 33,000. That’s the estimated number of people who are living with this inflammation at any given time in the United States.
3. The number of new cases of transverse myelitis that are diagnosed every year: 1,400.
4. Recovery from transverse myelitis usually begins within 2 to 12 weeks of the onset of symptoms and may continue for up to 2 years.
5. If there is no improvement within the first 3 to 6 months, significant recovery is unlikely.
6. About 1 in 3 people who are affected with transverse myelitis experience good or full recovery from their symptoms.
7. Another 1 in 3 people will experience a fair recovery with lingering ongoing symptoms, which may include prominent urges to use the restroom and other body dysfunction.
8. The remaining 1 in 3 people will have permanent disabilities, which may include becoming wheelchair-bound.
9. A person with two lesions has a 90% chance of developing MS after developing transverse myelitis.
10. Up to 60% of the cases of transverse myelitis are idiopathic in nature.
11. An infection precedes the onset of transverse myelitis about 50% of the time.
12. Women are statistically more likely to be diagnosed with transverse myelitis when compared to men.
13. The annual incidence of transverse myelitis ranges from 1.34 to 4.60 cases per million.
14. If MS and other similar disorders are included, the rate increases to 24.6 per million.
15. In individuals with acute partial transverse myelitis and normal brain MRI, about up to 33% develop MS over a 5-10 year period.
16. The presence of 14-3-3 protein in the cerebrospinal fluid during the acute phase are often indicators of a less complete recovery.
Researchers are unsure of why this inflammation occurs. It has been seen with individuals who have certain types of viral or bacterial infections, such as Lyme disease, syphilis, and the measles. Chickenpox and rabies have also been known to cause the problem, but sometimes the reasons behind the inflammation defy explanation. Sometimes it can even be the first symptom in the development of multiple sclerosis. It can occur over several days or may just take several hours.
Pain is a very common symptom of transverse myelitis. It can start suddenly in the back or neck, stretch down the spinal cord, or wrap around the body and radiate down to the legs. Weakness in the arms or legs, abnormal sensations, and bowel problems are also common.
How Is Transverse Myelitis Treated?
Most of the treatment protocols for transverse myelitis involve treating the inflammation so that less pressure is placed on the spinal cord. This may be controlled through medication, corticosteroids, and sometimes even using the classic RICE [rest, ice, compression, elevation] method. When there are neurological symptoms present, such as buzzing, tingling, and numbness, medication may also be prescribed to deal with those specific symptoms.
The good news is that there is a 2 in 3 chance for some sort of a recovery when transverse myelitis sets in. Most people who have at least a fair recovery can adapt to their symptoms and still live a happy, fulfilling life. It is when the myelin gets destroyed and there is a permanent disability that the issue can affect daily living dramatically. Statistically about 450 people every year in the US will have this happen to them.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of this condition, then see a doctor immediately. Plugging in the symptoms online will often turn up the result of ALS, so be sure to not self-diagnose because the stress can make the symptoms worse. Transverse myelitis can be difficult to treat and there may be nothing to stop it from developing. By recognizing its early signs and symptoms, however, a positive treatment plan may help to lessen the symptoms now and in the months to come.