How long to recover from transverse myelitis

Depending on the type and severity of the effects of transverse myelitis, you may require physical therapy. A period of specialized in-patient care in a rehabilitation facility may be necessary. The long-term effects of transverse myelitis vary among people. About one-third of people with transverse myelitis have a full or near-full recovery, with most of their symptoms gone. Another third have fair recovery, retaining some of their symptoms.

The last third recover poorly and have significant physical disabilities. When recovery from transverse myelitis occurs, it usually begins from 2 to 12 weeks after you first have symptoms and can take up to 2 years.

Most people will only have a single episode of transverse myelitis, but a few people may have a recurrence. Some people who get transverse myelitis are left with permanent physical disabilities, such as muscle stiffness, loss of bowel or bladder function, muscle weakness, or even paralysis. If you have any of these impairments, physical therapy will likely be a very important part of your treatment.

In this treatment, specialists will work with you to maintain or increase your strength, improve your coordination, and help you gain more control over bladder and bowel functions.

Another type of therapy is occupational therapy, which helps you learn new ways of doing everyday tasks, like bathing, in spite of your new physical limitations. Finally, some people with physical disabilities often feel sad or depressed. If this happens to you, your provider may recommend that you see a mental health professional. Some people recover fully from transverse myelitis within a few months or years, but others might continue to have long-term problems.

Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about when you would need to call them. Your healthcare provider will likely advise you to call him or her if any symptoms you are having become worse, including weakness, numbness or other changes in sensation, or changes in bladder or bowel control.

People who have serious long-term effects from transverse myelitis, such as paralysis or loss of bladder or bowel control, can also develop a number of other complications. Your provider might advise you to call them if you have problems such as:. Health Home Conditions and Diseases. What causes transverse myelitis? The inflammation that leads to transverse myelitis can result as a side effect of a number of other conditions, including: Lyme disease Syphilis Measles Viral infections Bacterial infections Some people may also get transverse myelitis as a result of spinal injuries, spinal defects, or vascular diseases like atherosclerosis, all of which can reduce the amount of oxygen in spinal cord tissue.

What are the symptoms of transverse myelitis? These are possible symptoms: Back or neck pain Weakness in arms or legs Abnormal feelings in the legs, such as burning, tingling, or pricking Loss of bladder or bowel control Heightened sensitivity to touch Where in the body these symptoms occur depends on what part of the spinal cord is inflamed.

Bradley's Neurology in Clinical Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap Hemingway C. Demyelinating disorders of the central nervous system. In: Kliegman RM, St. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. Lim PAC. Transverse myelitis. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Transverse myelitis fact sheet.

Updated August 13, Accessed January 06, The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition.

A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.

Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Information developed by A. Please discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have. Medical Tests. This content does not have an Arabic version. Diagnosis A doctor will diagnose transverse myelitis based on your answers to questions about your signs and symptoms, your medical history, a clinical assessment of nerve function, and test results. More Information Psychotherapy.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Transverse myelitis fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Accessed Oct. Transverse myelitis. The Transverse Myelitis Association. Eisen A. Disorders affecting the spinal cord. Krishnan C, et al. Weinshenker BG expert opinion. Mayo Clinic.

National Organization for Rare Disorders. Wingerchuk D, et al. Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, transverse myelitis, and neuromyelitis optica.