Transverse myelitis

A guide for patients and carers

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Other demyelinating conditions

Transverse myelitis and multiple sclerosis (MS)

For most people, transverse myelitis is a one-off event. However, for a small number of people who experience a relapse, transverse myelitis is a forerunner for other neurological conditions, especially multiple sclerosis (MS).

If, after being diagnosed with transverse myelitis, you experience further neurological symptoms and, after tests and investigations, are subsequently diagnosed with MS, your care and treatment will be the same as it is for anyone with MS.

Like transverse myelitis, MS is a condition affecting the central nervous system. However, people with multiple sclerosis might experience inflammation and nerve damage throughout their central nervous system (in the brain as well as the spinal cord). MS can also damage the optic nerves, affecting people’s vision. As with transverse myelitis, the inflammation causes damage to the myelin sheath surrounding the axons which carry messages (nerve impulses) in the brain and spinal cord.

MS and transverse myelitis are both considered to be part of a group of neurological conditions called demyelinating conditions (conditions involving inflammation and damage to the myelin sheath).

(You might be interested in reading our fact sheet with information on multiple sclerosis for further details.)

Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS)

Sometimes when a person experiences their first episode of neurological symptoms, they are diagnosed with Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS). CIS is a possible indication that the person might subsequently develop MS. The likelihood of developing MS is higher if an MRI scan shows abnormalities in the brain. Clinical trials suggest that treating people diagnosed with CIS with one of the disease-modifying drug therapies used to treat MS might reduce the risk of relapses and delay the progression from CIS to MS.

ADEM (Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis)

ADEM involves inflammation and damage in the brain and spinal cord. The symptoms might be similar to transverse myelitis and also commonly include headache, fever, stiff neck and confusion. The main treatment is with corticosteroids. ADEM affects children more than adults.

NMO (Neuromyelitis Optica) or Devic’s disease

NMO involves inflammation and damage in the spinal cord and to the optic nerves (the nerves connecting the eyes and the brain). The symptoms might be similar to transverse myelitis and also include visual problems with one or both eyes (blurred vision or loss of vision). People might also experience pain in one or both eyes. The main treatment is with corticosteroids. People are likely to experience recurrences of NMO / Devic’s disease.

Optic neuritis

Optic neuritis involves inflammation and damage to the optic nerves (the nerves connecting the eyes and the brain). The main symptoms are visual problems in one or both eyes (blurred vision or loss of vision). People might also experience pain in one or both eyes. The main treatment is with corticosteroids. People are likely to experience recurrences of optic neuritis.