Traumatic brain injury

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Myelitis

Transverse myelitis

Transverse myelitis is a rare neurological condition. It’s caused by inflammation (swelling) of the spinal cord. The swelling damages the nerves and can leave permanent scars or lesions.

The scars or lesions interrupt the communication between the nerves in the spinal cord and the rest of the body.

‘Transverse’ refers to the swelling being across the width of the spinal cord. It’s also sometimes used to describe swelling that only affects part of the width of the spinal cord.

Symptoms of transverse myelitis

The symptoms of transverse myelitis can include:

  • muscle weakness in the legs, and sometimes the arms
  • mobility problems
  • unusual sensations and numbness
  • bladder problems
  • bowel problems
  • sexual problems
  • pain

Transverse myelitis can happen to anyone at any time in their life. In most cases there might only be one episode of symptoms, but sometimes it can happen repeatedly. Transverse myelitis can be the first sign of MS or another condition.

Causes of transverse myelitis

There are several different causes of transverse myelitis. Sometimes a cause isn’t found, and this is called idiopathic transverse myelitis.

For further information, please visit the resources below:

Transverse myelitis | NHS inform
Services provided by the Transverse Myelitis Society

Compressive myelopathy

What is Compressive myelopathy?

Degenerative cervical myelopathy is a condition that is caused by age related changes to the bones, ligaments and discs of the neck. This can sometimes cause pressure on the spinal cord which can affect function of the nerves.

Symptoms of degenerative cervical myelopathy

It’s common to experience one or multiple symptoms. The most common symptoms include:

  • pain or stiffness in the neck
  • tingling or numbness in the arms or legs (often starting in fingertips or toes) or less commonly in the body
  • change or loss in the manual coordination or dexterity in the hands (e.g. fastening buttons or tying shoelaces)
  • pain, weakness or heaviness in the arms or legs
  • imbalance or feeling unsteady which may lead to falls
  • difficulty walking
  • change of bladder or bowel function, such as increased urgency or incontinence

For further information, please visit the resources below:

Degenerative cervical myelopathy | NHS inform
Services provided by the Transverse Myelitis Society