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Transverse Myelitis

Acute or subacute inflammation of one or more spinal cord segments causing motor, sensory, and autonomic deficits below the lesion, with idiopathic, post-infectious, autoimmune (multiple sclerosis, NMOSD, MOGAD), or paraneoplastic etiologies.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Nöroloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Transverse Myelitis?

Transverse myelitis (TM) is an inflammatory condition of the spinal cord with bilateral motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction reaching nadir within hours to 21 days; classified as idiopathic or disease-associated.

Causes include multiple sclerosis (longitudinally extensive lesions are more likely NMOSD or MOGAD), systemic lupus erythematosus, sarcoidosis, post-infectious (viral, post-vaccinal), or paraneoplastic syndromes.

Diagnosis requires MRI of spinal cord with contrast, CSF analysis showing pleocytosis or elevated IgG, serum aquaporin-4 and MOG antibodies, and exclusion of compressive, ischemic, or metabolic causes.

Symptoms

Acute or subacute weakness in legs (paraparesis) or all four limbs
Sensory level below the affected spinal segment
Bladder and bowel dysfunction with urinary retention
Back pain or radicular pain at the level of the lesion
Lhermitte sign, autonomic dysfunction, or sexual dysfunction

Risk Factors

Recent viral or bacterial infection
Known autoimmune disease — multiple sclerosis, NMOSD, MOGAD, lupus, sarcoidosis
Recent vaccination or post-infectious immune response
Female sex with longitudinally extensive lesions
Aquaporin-4 or MOG antibody positivity

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Acute leg weakness with sensory level and bladder symptoms
  • Rapidly progressive bilateral neurologic deficit
  • Urinary retention with back pain
  • Suspected first attack of multiple sclerosis or NMOSD

Treatment Methods

01
High-dose IV methylprednisolone 1 g daily for 5 days as first-line therapy
02
Plasma exchange (5 sessions over 10 days) in severe or steroid-refractory cases
03
IV immunoglobulin in selected post-infectious or refractory cases
04
Disease-modifying therapy for underlying multiple sclerosis, NMOSD (rituximab, eculizumab, satralizumab, inebilizumab), or MOGAD
05
Multidisciplinary rehabilitation with physical therapy, bladder management, spasticity treatment, and long-term neurology follow-up

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Nöroloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.