What treatments are available?Corticosteroid drugs are typically used as a treatment for spinal cord inflammation with TM patients. Plasma exchange or more radical immunosuppressant therapies may be used if steroids don't work. All other treatments only address the symptoms at this time.
RehabilitationRehabilitation, especially physiotherapy, is essential. Patients should expect to follow a rehabilitation regime typical for any spinal injury. Your hospital should provide with an initial programme, but you will need to be committed to doing exercises on a continuing basis.
More on physiotherapy, and finding a good neuro-physio, can be found here.
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Who gets TM and what are the chances for recovery?
TM is a rare disorder with an incidence estimated at 300 new cases per year in the UK. Age at onset of this condition can be from infancy to older adult (five months to 80 years). The peak ages for a TM diagnosis appear to be 10-19 and 30-39 years. Males and females seem to be equally diagnosed.
Recovery from TM generally begins within eight weeks from onset. Recovery is often rapid during months three to six and may continue for up to two years after onset. One third of those diagnosed with TM make a good recovery, one third have only a fair recovery (ie moderate degree of permanent disability), and one third show no recovery.
TM is generally a monophasic illness (one-time occurrence). However a small percentage of patients may suffer a recurrence, especially if there is a predisposing underlying illness.
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