TRANSVERSE MYELITIS
(TM) is a rare autoimmune disorder – one of a group of such autoimmune disorders including Acute Disseminated EncephaloMyelitis (ADEM), NeuroMyelitis Optica (NMO, also known as Devic’s Disease) and Multiple Sclerosis(MS) – involving inflammatory attacks on the central nervous system, differentiated by location and/or incidence.
The variability of symptoms in TM depends on the location of the lesion. TM is generally, but not always, a monophasic illness (one-time occurrence). Recovery from TM generally begins within 8 weeks from onset and may continue for up to 2 years after onset. Rehabilitation, especially physiotherapy, is essential to optimize the recovery process. The majority of those diagnosed will make a full or partial recovery.
Treatment will concentrate on maintaining, and re-establishing, both muscle length and strength and the full range of joint movement and mobility. Individual treatment plans will be developed to address identified physical problems and to integrate these into whole body movement – the nervous system does not respond well in isolation – to achieve as near normal movements as possible.
More information at:
- Transverse Myelitis: www.myelitis.org.uk
- NeuroMyelitis Optica: www.ninds.nih.gov
- Acute Disseminated EncephaloMyelitis: www.ninds.nih.gov