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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffTransverse myelitis is a condition resulting from inflammation of your spinal cord. The word "myelitis" refers to inflammation of the insulating material that covers nerve cell fibers (myelin), and "transverse" means the inflammation occurs across the width of your spinal cord. If myelin is damaged, communications relayed between your spine and the rest of your body may be disrupted.
Transverse myelitis often develops following a viral infection or occurs along with a disorder in which your immune system attacks your own tissues. Sometimes, transverse myelitis is an indication of a relapsing illness.
Most people with transverse myelitis experience at least partial recovery. Although long-term complications are common, medication combined with rehabilitative therapy can help you achieve the best quality of life possible.
- Transverse myelitis fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/transversemyelitis/detail_transversemyelitis.htm. Accessed Nov. 1, 2008.
- Eisen A. Disorders affecting the spinal cord. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 1, 2008.
- Kerr D. Transverse myelitis. In: Johnson RT, et al. Current Therapy in Neurologic Disease. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: C.V. Mosby; 2001. http://www.scribd.com/doc/2581918/KerrCurrent-therapy-chapter-with-figures. Accessed Nov. 1, 2008.
- Petti CA. Molecular diagnosis of central nervous system infections. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 1, 2008.
- Acute transverse myelitis. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec16/ch224/ch224b.html. Accessed Nov. 1, 2008.
- Weinshenker BG, et al. Neuromyelitis optica IgG predicts relapse following longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. Annals of Neurology: 2006;59:566.
- Jacob A, et al. An approach to the diagnosis of acute transverse myelitis. Seminars in Neurology. 2008; 28(1):105.
- Weinshenker BG [expert opinion]. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Oct 6, 2008.
