How does an MRI show transverse myelitis?

The typical MRI appearance in transverse myelitis is a central T2 hyperintense spinal cord lesion extending over more than two segments, involving more than two-thirds of the cross sectional area of the cord 11-14.

Does transverse myelitis enhance on MRI?

It is mostly imaged with MRI, which generally shows a long segment (3-4 segments or more) of T2 increased signal occupying greater than two-thirds of the cross-sectional area of the cord, with variable pattern of enhancement and no diffusion restriction.

Can radiation cause transverse myelitis?

Myelitis is a rare complication of radiation exposure to the spinal cord and is often a diagnosis of exclusion.

What is transverse myelopathy?

Transverse Myelitis (TM) is a disorder caused by inflammation of the spinal cord. It is characterized by symptoms and signs of neurologic dysfunction in motor and sensory tracts on both sides of the spinal cord.

How long does it take to recover from transverse myelitis?

Although some people recover from transverse myelitis with minor or no residual problems, the healing process may take months to years. Most people with transverse myelitis have at least partial recovery, with most recovery taking place within the first 3 months after the attack.

Does transverse myelitis lead to MS?

Transverse myelitis can appear as the first symptom in conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or neuromyelitis optica (NMO). A person with transverse myelitis who also has an abnormal brain MRI with more than two lesions has an increased chance (as high as 90 percent) of going on to develop MS.

Is transverse myelitis a form of MS?

Multiple sclerosis connection Transverse myelitis is often a onetime illness. But for some people, transverse myelitis is an early symptom of another serious disease of the nervous system. One such disease is multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is a chronic disease with no cure.

What is Brown-Séquard syndrome symptoms?

Brown-Séquard syndrome is a neurologic syndrome resulting from hemisection of the spinal cord. It manifests with weakness or paralysis and proprioceptive deficits on the side of the body ipsilateral to the lesion and loss of pain and temperature sensation on the contralateral side.

Can radiation damage the spine?

Radiation directed at tumors near the spine may damage the spinal cord itself. When it does, late-delayed myelopathy may develop. This disorder causes weakness, loss of sensation, and sometimes the Brown-Séquard syndrome.

Does transverse myelitis go away?

Some individuals will have only one episode of transverse myelitis; other individuals may have a recurrence, especially if an underlying illness caused the disorder. There is no cure for transverse myelitis, but there are treatments to prevent or minimize permanent neurological deficits.