Myelitis

Myelitis is a condition that refers to inflammation of the spinal cord. A rare, but potentially life-threatening form of this condition, called transverse myelitis (TM), can cause the nerve impulses to become blocked. This can result in a number of neurologic symptoms.

Symptoms of TM

Patients with TM typically experience the following symptoms:

• Pain
• Muscle spasms
• Weakness
• Tingling
• Inability to control bladder and bowel functions

The location of most of these symptoms will depend on the portion of the spine that is inflamed. Inflammation in the thoracic spine, for instance, may cause patients to experience symptoms from the waist down, while inflammation in the cervical spine can cause symptoms from the neck down.

Causes of Myelitis

A number of medical conditions can cause inflammation of the spine. These conditions include multiple sclerosis, lupus and bacterial or viral infections. In most cases, a cause is never found.

Treatments

Myelitis is most commonly treated with corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. Many patients also receive relief from treatments that serve to manage specific symptoms, such as pain medication. Recovery varies from patient to patient, with some requiring rehabilitation and physical therapy.