What is transverse myelitis (TM)?
Transverse myelitis (TM) is an inflammation of the spinal cord. Symptoms are usually numbness and weakness of the legs, and difficulty urinating. Depending on where the inflammation is located in the spinal cord, TM can cause hand and arm numbness and weakness as well. TM is typically sudden in onset and reaches its peak within a few days. The risk of developing MS after experiencing TM changes depending on if an MRI scan of the brain shows abnormalities. The doctor may therefore order a brain MRI scan to evaluate this risk of developing MS in a person who experiences TM. Transverse myelitis can be seen in many other diseases. In patients with who are already diagnosed with MS, TM can be a common symptom.
