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Transverse myelitis
A guide for patients and carers
Introduction
Written by Simon Hawke, Clinical Senior Lecturer in Neurology and neuroimmunology, Imperial School of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital, London, with contributions from Alan Thompson, Professor of Clinical Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, Institute of Neurology, London.
Transverse myelitis is a rare inflammatory disease of the spinal cord. It may follow a virus infection, but usually no cause is identified. The main features of the disease are reduced muscle strength and changed feeling in the lower half of the body. Bladder and bowel function may be affected. In most cases, the effects are greatest soon after the illness begins, after which there is usually considerable improvement. This booklet describes how the disease develops, explains the tests that doctors may carry out, and discusses specific treatment and recovery.
Note: Words printed in bold are explained in the glossary.
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