Transverse myelitis

Revision as of 07:13, 19 February 2012 by Jswartz (talk | contribs) (Created page with "==Background== *Inflammatory disorder that involves a complete transverse section of the spinal cord **Results from viral infection, postvaccination or as part of MS, SLE, or can...")
(diff) ← Older revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)

Background

  • Inflammatory disorder that involves a complete transverse section of the spinal cord
    • Results from viral infection, postvaccination or as part of MS, SLE, or cancer
  • May present exactly like a compressive lesion of the spinal cord

Clinical Features

  • May progress over days-weeks
  • Neck or back pain + neuro complaints:
    • Bilateral motor, sensory, and autonomic disturbances
    • Fecal/urinary retention and incontinence

Diagnosis

  • Neurologic findings that are c/w epidural compression but normal MRI

Management

  • Must rule-out compressive lesion of the cord
  • MRI
    • May show cord swelling
  • LP
    • Lymphocytosis, elevated protein
  • Admit for corticosteroids and plasma exchange

Source

  • Tintinalli
Retrieved from "https://www.wikem.org/w/index.php?title=Transverse_myelitis&oldid=8051"