Damage from inflammation can interrupt communications between the nerves in the spinal cord and the body. The part of the spinal cord that is damaged by TM determines which areas of the body may be affected.
Symptoms of TM typically include a loss of spinal cord function over several hours to several weeks and in severe cases results in paralysis, bowel dysfunction and bladder dysfunction. Some children experience sudden arm or leg weakness, pain in the lower back, abnormal numbness, tingling, burning or cold sensations. Some children with TM have permanent impairments that affect their daily activities and mobility.
An estimated 1,400 new cases of TM are diagnosed each year and can affect children of any age, gender or race. Similar to other autoimmune diseases, TM causes a child's immune system to attack their own nerves. Doctors do not yet know its exact cause but believe it may be triggered by some viral or bacterial infections.
The multidisciplinary team at Shriners Children's works together to create a care plan for patients affected by TM. Your child will initially see our pediatric neurologist and pediatric intensive care unit doctors who will stabilize and treat the symptoms
Once they begin to improve, patients benefit greatly from the early initiation of physical therapy and occupational therapy. The ability to recoup from weakness varies with every child, but at Shriners Children’s we believe that with therapy the ability to recover improves significantly. Our trusted team of professionals will work together to design a unique care plan for each child that will lead to their highest level of independence and activity.
Specific treatments and services may vary by location. Please contact a specific location for more information.
The onset of transverse myelitis is sudden and has the potential to evolve over several hours to days, but can also progress as long as one or two weeks. Because it also has the potential to affect the muscles that control breathing, it is important that you seek care immediately if your child is experiencing any of the symptoms below.
The care provided by Shriners Children’s for my son’s transverse myelitis far exceeds care we have received anywhere else. The physicians and support staff are knowledgeable and caring.
Shriners Children's provides specialty health care to children around the world. We offer a comprehensive range of treatments, services and support to improve the quality of our patients’ lives and help them reach their full potential.
