Transverse myelitis is considered a spinal cord injury. Also with Transverse myelitis the "secondary conditions from the SCI include respiratory complications, urinary tract infections, spasticity, and scoliosis" (http://www.cdc.gov/). Doctors and researchers often relate Transverse myelitis to immune system dysfunction. But this causation covers a broad range of illnesses with even more with no reason for the causes. I myself have an atypical type of Transverse myelitis with no known underlying cause. .
The cause of Transverse myelitis is unknown, but most evidence supports an autoimmune process. This means that the patient's own immune system is abnormally stimulated to attack the spinal cord and cause inflammation and tissue damage. Transverse myelitis often develops in the setting of viral and bacterial infections, especially those, which may be associated with a rash, like rubella, variola, rubella, influenza, and mumps. Approximately one third of patients with Transverse myelitis report a flu-like illness in close temporal relationship to the onset of neurologic symptoms. In some cases, there is evidence that there is a direct invasion and injury to the cord by the infectious agent itself. A bacterial abscess can also develop around the spinal cord and injure the cord through compression, bacterial invasion and inflammation. .
There is no specific treatment for transverse myelitis. Treatment for the disorder is symptomatic. The prognosis for complete recovery from Transverse myelitis is not good. Although recovery usually begins between 2 and 12 weeks after getting the virus and may continue for up to 2 years, most individuals are left with considerable disability. Some individuals may have minor or no deficits, while others may have significant motor, sensory, urinary and bowel deficits. Some individuals show no recovery at all. There are therapies available to help people left with permanent physical disabilities after the Transverse myelitis has its damage.
