Which are the symptoms of Transverse myelitis?

See the worst symptoms of affected by Transverse myelitis here

Transverse myelitis (TM) is a rare neurological disorder that affects the spinal cord, causing inflammation and damage to the nerve fibers. This condition can lead to a variety of symptoms, which can vary in severity and duration depending on the individual. TM typically occurs suddenly and progresses rapidly over a few hours to a few weeks.

Symptoms of Transverse Myelitis:

1. Sensory disturbances: One of the hallmark symptoms of TM is sensory changes. Individuals may experience abnormal sensations such as numbness, tingling, or burning in the affected areas. These sensations can occur in the arms, legs, trunk, or face.

2. Motor weakness: TM can cause muscle weakness or paralysis, which may affect one or both sides of the body. This weakness can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks such as walking, grasping objects, or maintaining balance.

3. Pain: Many individuals with TM experience pain, which can range from mild to severe. The pain is often described as aching, stabbing, or electric shock-like. It may be localized to the affected area or radiate along the spine.

4. Bowel and bladder dysfunction: TM can disrupt the normal functioning of the bowel and bladder. This can lead to urinary urgency, frequency, or incontinence. Constipation or difficulty emptying the bladder completely may also occur.

5. Fatigue: TM can cause extreme fatigue and weakness, which can significantly impact daily activities. Individuals may feel exhausted even after minimal physical or mental exertion.

6. Difficulty with coordination and balance: Some individuals with TM may experience problems with coordination and balance. This can result in unsteady gait, clumsiness, and difficulty with fine motor skills.

7. Changes in reflexes: TM can affect reflexes, leading to hyperactive reflexes or, in some cases, diminished reflexes. Reflexes are involuntary responses to stimuli, such as the knee-jerk reflex.

8. Sensitivity to temperature: TM can cause sensitivity to temperature changes. Some individuals may experience heightened sensitivity to cold or heat in the affected areas.

9. Respiratory difficulties: In severe cases of TM, individuals may experience respiratory problems due to the involvement of the spinal cord. This can lead to shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or even respiratory failure.

10. Other symptoms: In addition to the above, TM can also present with other symptoms such as headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, and muscle spasms.

It is important to note that the symptoms of TM can vary from person to person, and not all individuals will experience the same set of symptoms. The severity and duration of symptoms can also differ, with some individuals experiencing a single episode of TM, while others may have recurrent or chronic symptoms.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms, prevent further damage, and improve long-term outcomes.

Diseasemaps

Transverse myelitis may be eitheracute(developing over hours to several days) orsubacute(usually developing over one to four weeks).

The segment of the spinal cord at which the damage occurs determines which parts of the body are affected. Damage at one segment will affect function at that level and below. In individuals with transverse myelitis, myelin damage most often occurs in nerves in the upper back.

Four classic features of transverse myelitis are:

Weakness of the legs and arms. People with transverse myelitis may have weakness in the legs that progresses rapidly. If the myelitis affects the upper spinal cord it affects the arms as well. Individuals may developparaparesis(partial paralysis of the legs) that may progress toparaplegia(complete paralysis of the legs), requiring the person to use a wheelchair.
Pain. Initial symptoms usually include lower back pain or sharp, shooting sensations that radiate down the legs or arms or around the torso.
Sensory alterations. Transverse myelitis can causeparesthesias(abnormal sensations such as burning, tickling, pricking, numbness, coldness, or tingling) in the legs, and sensory loss. Abnormal sensations in the torso and genital region are common.
Bowel and bladder dysfunction. Common symptoms include an increased frequency or urge to use the toilet, incontinence, and constipation.
Many individuals also report experiencing muscle spasms, a general feeling of discomfort, headache, fever, and loss of appetite, while some people experience respiratory problems. Other symptoms may include sexual dysfunction and depression and anxiety caused by lifestyle changes, stress, and chronic pain.

Posted Aug 16, 2022 by Transverse Myelitis Folks Blue Crew

Muscle and nerve damage pain

Posted Feb 23, 2017 by Nancy 715

Well every symptom is Extreme for me with transverse I suffer from paralysis with relapses three times in 12 years each time lasting a couple of years or more before I improve some. Torture of every nerve in my body feeling like it's on fire and I'm being electrocuted 24 hours a day period every muscle in my body contorts in Charlie Horse spasms, banding in every joint and around rib cage. Every joint has been destroyed from gating issues during the times I was able to walk with a walker or cane. The inability to regulate temperature and extreme sensitivity to temperature changes, weather is also a huge Factor barometer changes wreak havoc in the body along with extreme temperature changes therefore climate control and steadiness is very important . In addition my spine developed DDD as well as stenosis of the lumbar and branch of spine. In July 2016 I severed my third relapse and have been in a wheelchair full time since. Physical therapy and occupational therapy are very important although in my state through Medicaid issued me eight sessions of physical therapy and occupational therapy, that's it for the year. I've been unable to work for many years I carried one job for a total of eight month part time but had to leave due to my health I was falling all the time. I developed MS symptoms 6 months prior to my TM on set and I have 2 m/s markers but not for for a full diagnosis only partial in 2010 that happened in 2013 I developed lupus two markers of inflammation and I suffer from it attacking the joints as well as a butterfly rash. I have struggled to do research I fired many of doctors who did not know what they were doing or know much about the disease. You work with a pain management specialist as my pain levels over the years who gotten worse but I also have fluctuated the lowest I've ever been since Contracting to him was at 3 and that was during the time that I am was it about 80% recovery my typical pain level is between 7 and 10 on a perfect day I missed 6 and I and on more medication vitamin therapy homeopathic remedies all in combination but if I'm unable to drive because I cannot function on the amount of medication I have to be on just to survive.

Posted Feb 23, 2017 by Jen 1001

Chronic Fatigue and Pain

Posted Feb 23, 2017 by Cathy 1000

Loss of control over bladder and bowels.

Posted May 17, 2017 by Marella Cairns 1050

The stiffnes and clonus are the hardest symptoms for me. Both make walking hard and eventually will degrade your hair.

Posted May 17, 2017 by Justin 1152

For me it's the 24/7 pain which stops me from doing every day things.

Posted Jul 24, 2017 by Hagen 2730

neuropathy damage and symptoms

Posted Jul 25, 2017 by Mindy 2000

Paralysis, and incontinence

Posted Jul 25, 2017 by Conrad 2200

Paralysis being unable to get out of bed or walk

Posted Aug 17, 2017 by Donna 150

Pain, trouble with urinating and pooping, moving the body like before TM.

Posted Aug 24, 2017 by Elizabeth 1200

Pain and muscle weakness.
Also bowel and bladder problems

Posted Sep 10, 2017 by Kevin Weilacher 3420

Numbness and the tingling in your hands fingers foot toes the burning of legs and holding water in your ankles not being able to run or jump any more

Posted Sep 10, 2017 by Vicki 100

Neuropathy, paralyzed on left side , bladder and bowel dysfunctions.

Posted Sep 10, 2017 by Barbara 400

Paralysis, bladder and bowel incontinence, pain

Posted Sep 10, 2017 by Amy 600

Pain, paralysis, nerve damage, tingling, numbers, tightness and banding,

Posted Sep 29, 2017 by Lindz1980 905

Paralysis, muscle weakness, bowel and bladder dysfunction, and fatigue.

Posted Sep 29, 2017 by Samantha Bryce 2065

Banding (girdling) about the torso makes breathing very difficult but for me, nerve pain has been the hardest to deal with.

Posted Oct 6, 2017 by Chuck 2000

Pins and needles, numbness, loss of of sensory and motor function, paralysis, sexual dysfuntion, bowel and bladder dysfunction, solid joints, feet, hands, paraplegia, respiratory failure.

Obviously tnose with the most life limiting effects.

Posted Nov 30, 2017 by mikado54mark 3150

Burning pain in my legs, inability to keep moving anymore, must take frequent breaks

Posted Jan 18, 2018 by JoeyButler 500

If I could get rid of any symptoms of Transverse Myelitis it would be in my case, walking difficulties and bowel/bladder/sexual dysfunction.

Posted Feb 27, 2018 by Gill 1800

The primary symptom is numbness from the waist down, including the legs as well as the bowels and bladder.

Posted Jun 1, 2018 by Clay Garner 2500

Effects on mobility, which can be extremely varied and wide-reaching. For example, some people experience paralysis, from the waist or neck down. Others experience partial paralysis, difficulties with balance, gait, muscle tone and strength; unusual sensations - pins and needles buzzing etc. How someone is affected depends on where the legions and damage to their spine/myelin sheath have occurred. Following an MRI your consultant/neuro should be able to tell you which sections of your vertebrae have been affected.

Posted Jul 30, 2018 by Ally 1060

Paralysis, incontinence I would get rid of the incontinence FIRST the old saying " once an adult twice a child" is soo true.

Posted Jun 1, 2021 by Gary 3550

The first sign of the onset of TM I think is the inability to pee. Then your legs are very weak and then paralysis.

Posted Jun 1, 2021 by Bob1974 800

Pain in the area below the site of the spinal blood clot, Also weakness, paresthesia, paralysis, bowel and/or urinary incontinence are are accompanying symptoms.

Posted Aug 17, 2022 by gloria_kazan 7450