It is a severe but a rather rare inflammation of the spinal cord known as Transverse Myelitis. Such a state can provoke a number of manifestations, from mild pain to severe locomotor dysfunction.It is therefore good to understand the signs and symptoms of transverse myelitis in an effort to get treated early in order to enhance prognosis. Any age group can be affected by transverse myelitis including children and adults and can be acute; in some instances it may take hours to develop, while in others it may take up to days to weeks to manifest. However, the cause of TM is frequently unidentified, but has been associated with infection, immunologic dysfunction and autoimmune disorders, for example multiple sclerosis.  

Here are Some of the Signs of Transverse Myelitis in the Initial Stages 

The manifestation of transverse myelitis also may be dissimilar and is determined by the extent and site of the inflammation of the spinal cord. Sensory changes are usually the initial manifestations of transverse myelitis, and the pain can range from sharp to rather severe and be localized in various parts of the trunk. It is usually sharp in onset and localized to the lumbar region. However, pain can spread to the legs, arms or around the chest and abdomen depending on the side of the spinal cord injured. This pain is said to be a stabbing, shooting or burning type of pain.

Some of the symptoms of transverse myelitis are numbness, tingling, or complete loss of sensation in various parts of the body. These changes tend to happen extra visceral, which means they take place at levels more peripheral than the inflammation of the spinal cord; the areas that may be affected include the torso, the arms or legs. TM can trigger various symptoms such as palpitations to the chest or abdominal wall where several individuals claim to experience a constricting ‘band-like’ feeling, also known as the ‘girdle’ sensation. The cohort of issues concerning the bladder and bowel is typical of transverse myelitis and may well rank as one of the most troubling. Such complications include painful urination, they may have loss of bladder control or may be constipated, or have bowel incontinence. These symptoms occur because the spinal cord contains the nerves which control the muscles of the bladder and bowel and inflammation may interfere with these signals. 

Long-Term Effects and Complications 

Transverse myelitis is a medical condition with diverse outcomes that define its long-term consequences; the condition evolves in relation to the extent of harm done to the spinal cord tissue as well as the response to the treatment applied. TM patients complained of persistent pain although there is no sign of inflammation after first onset of TM. Managing this pain can be quite challenging and may thus translate to long term use of medical treatment. Extreme conditions may lead to number anxiety, as the term indicates, points to the fact that TM can result in dependence on wheelchair or lock-in syndrome that implies complete motor disability of the arms and legs. This can greatly limit a person’s physical activities and sometimes can need physical therapy or mobility aid.  

The Reasons Early Diagnosis and Treatment Should Be Conducted 

Transverse myelitis is a highly treatable condition and the prognosis is most favorable when the diagnosis is made early and treatment commenced. This is because the early stage of TM has symptoms which if experienced or noticed in a loved one, consultation with a doctor is advised. A healthcare provider should be able to bring an x-ray, physical assessment of the patient, and possibly, lumbar puncture to identify the primary cause of the condition. Management of transverse myelitis consists of anti-inflammatory medications to alleviate the signs and symptoms.

Conclusion 

Transverse myelitis is a relatively rare, but severe form of the disease and must seek medical attention as soon as possible. Getting to know the signs of TM such as pain, weakness, changes in sensations, and those related to bladder and bowel control will enable you to diagnose the condition early enough.