TRANSVERSE
MYELITIS
Transverse myeltis is a condition
that results in the inflammation of the myelin sheath of the spinal
cord. The area targeted goes across the width of the spinal cord at
a certain level of the spinal cord. The problem occurs after vaccines
(DPT, Influenza etc. , viral infections, post radiation treatments.
The underlying problem is that certain elements of the patient’s
own immune system cause inflammation and sometimes destruction of the
myelin.
Symptoms include pain in the arms, legs, back and neck; numbness, paresthesias,
numbness below the affected area of the spinal cord; weakness of the
arms and legs; muscle spasms; headache.
Tests may include lumbar spinal tap; functional MRI; NMO-IgG test.
Many patients will clear up uneventfully after the acute phase; others
may have relapses; some patients may go into a chronic phase with partial
or total paralysis of the upper and lower extremities; spasticity; osteoporosis
and sexual dysfunction.
Treatment initially should include intravenous cortisone. If symptoms
continue plasma exchange therapy (apheresis) is considered. If the condition
does not improve StemCellRegenMed recommends the following: