What is Transverse Myelitis?

TM is a rare neurological disorder, one of a group of "neuroimmunologic" diseases of the central nervous system, which also include ADEM, NMO (Devic's Disease). These conditions all involve inflammatory attacks in the central nervous system. They are differentiated primarily by the location of the attack and by the attacks being either monophasic (one off) or multiple episodes. These disorders share common mechanisms and have many common symptoms. 

If you are newly diagnosed, you may find this page helpful. 

Causes of Transverse Myelitis 

TM may occur in isolation or with another illness. When TM occurs without apparent underlying cause, it is referred to as idiopathic. Idiopathic TM is assumed to be a result of abnormal activation of the immune system against the spinal cord. TM often develops alongside viral and bacterial infections. TM can be acute or slow developing. 

Approximately one third of patients with TM report a flu-like illness with fever, around the time of the onset of neurological symptoms. Vaccinations may also be linked with TM and especially ADEM, but causation cannot be proven.