Transverse myelitis

A guide for patients and carers

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Relapses

Recurrent transverse myelitis

Transverse myelitis is usually a condition that people experience only once. Very rarely, people experience further episodes. For these people, it might be that they recover fully then experience a relapse, or that during a seemingly good recovery they experience a worsening of their symptoms before continuing to recover. Recurrences of transverse myelitis are more likely if there is an underlying illness or disease.

"Pseudo relapses" in transverse myelitis

Some people can experience a temporary worsening of their symptoms after transverse myelitis but go on to make a good recovery or recover fully. They do not experience any new inflammation so it is not a true relapse. These "pseudo relapses" can be due to reduced transmission of messages (nerve impulses) through the injured part of the spinal cord and can be linked to over-exertion or other changes in the body such as fever, infections (for example, urinary tract infections), constipation, menstruation, or temperature changes caused by warm weather or a hot bath.

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