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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffUsually, people with transverse myelitis experience only one acute episode. However, complications often linger. Chronic pain is one of the most debilitating long-term complications. Others may include:
- Spasticity. This refers to stiffness, tightness or painful spasms in your muscles, especially in your buttocks and legs. The majority of people with lingering effects of transverse myelitis experience some degree of spasticity.
- Partial or total paralysis. The weakness associated with transverse myelitis may result in partial or total paralysis of your arms, legs or both. In severe cases, use of a wheelchair may be necessary.
- Osteoporosis. People with transverse myelitis are at an increased risk of developing thinning of the bones, because they might not be able to engage in weight-bearing activities or because they're taking steroid medications for an extended period of time.
- Sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction is a common complication arising from transverse myelitis. Men may experience difficulty achieving an erection or reaching an orgasm. Women also may have difficulty reaching an orgasm.
- Depression. The complications associated with transverse myelitis change your lifestyle, which can make you feel depressed. Depression may also hinder recovery because people who are depressed don't always feel up to participating in a physical therapy regimen.
References
- 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.
