What kind of Doctor treats transverse myelitis?
A team of neurologists, rehabilitation specialists, neuropsychiatrists, neurosurgeons, neuro-ophthalmologists, therapists and other scientists facilitate the evaluation and management of patients affected by transverse myelitis.
What does a neurologist do for myelitis?
A neurologist specialises in the treatment of conditions affecting the spinal cord such as myelitis. In the long term you may also be treated by a physiotherapist or occupational therapist.
Can physiotherapy help with myelitis?
If the damage from myelitis is long-term you might be offered physiotherapy and occupational therapy to help you improve your physical abilities or find alternative ways of carrying out daily tasks. What type of specialist treats myelitis? A neurologist specialises in the treatment of conditions affecting the spinal cord such as myelitis.
Is multiple myelitis a disease?
It is not a disease in itself but a symptom of a range of conditions, so diagnosis can be a complex process. Myelitis is often referred to as transverse myelitis, but this refers to inflammation across the left and right side of the spinal cord.
Is myelitis a neurological disorder?
Overview. Transverse myelitis is an inflammation of both sides of one section of the spinal cord. This neurological disorder often damages the insulating material covering nerve cell fibers (myelin). Transverse myelitis interrupts the messages that the spinal cord nerves send throughout the body.
How do I get rid of myelitis?
TreatmentIntravenous steroids. You'll probably receive steroids through a vein in your arm over the course of several days. ... Plasma exchange therapy. ... Antiviral medication. ... Pain medication. ... Medications to treat other complications. ... Medications to prevent recurrent attacks of transverse myelitis.
Does transverse myelitis show up on MRI?
The diagnosis of acute transverse myelitis syndromes is based on the clinical symptoms and signs of a spinal cord syndrome in conjunction with evidence of inflammation within the spinal cord such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) abnormalities or lesions visible on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
How long does it take for transverse myelitis to go away?
Most recovery occurs within 3 months after the condition occurs. For some, healing may take months to years. About a third of people with transverse myelitis recover completely. Some people recover with moderate disabilities, such as bowel problems and trouble walking.
What drugs treat transverse myelitis?
Initial treatments and management of the complications of transverse myelitis include: Intravenous corticosteroid drugs may decrease swelling and inflammation in the spine and reduce immune system activity. Such drugs may include methylprednisolone or dexamethasone.
Can a chiropractor help transverse myelitis?
Chiropractic relief and physical therapy can then help the body transition past the transverse myelitis attack and its effects. Having a CBP plan is essential in addressing transverse myelitis and other nerve-related conditions.
Does transverse myelitis get worse over time?
Once they start, symptoms can get worse within hours. Most of the time, they peak within 10 days. At that point, about half the people who get transverse myelitis lose control of their legs. Most have some numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation in their back, belly, arms, or legs.
Is transverse myelitis a neurological disorder?
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.
What drugs cause transverse myelitis?
Heroin use can cause various neurological and non-neurological complications like rhabdomyolysis, compartment syndrome, endocarditis, non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, acute transverse myelitis, seizures, cerebrovascular accidents, and peripheral nerve lesions [2-4].
What can make transverse myelitis worse?
Cold weather and stress can also exacerbate symptoms. MS and transverse myelitis are both considered to be part of a group of neurological conditions called demyelinating conditions (conditions involving inflammation and damage to the myelin sheath).
Can myelitis be cured?
No effective cure currently exists for transverse myelitis, although many people recover from it. Treatments focus on relieving the inflammation that causes the symptoms. Some people might need to be hospitalized at first if the symptoms are severe enough.
Does massage help transverse myelitis?
A better way of treatment Most doctors recommend transverse myelitis patients massage therapy on a daily basis. No doubt there are multiple treatments for this disease, but massage therapy is a more effective and better way. We are not encouraging the refusal of medication or other treatment from a doctor.
What type of specialist treats myelitis?
A neurologist specialises in the treatment of conditions affecting the spinal cord such as myelitis. In the long term you may also be treated by a physiotherapist or occupational therapist.
How is myelitis treated?
If the doctor suspects you have a viral infection, they may give you antiviral medicine. If an autoimmune condition is suspected, plasma exchange therapy might be recommended.
How is myelitis diagnosed?
Diagnosing myelitis is complex, as the symptoms can be indicative of many other conditions. You will be asked about the nature of your symptoms and how long you have had them for.
What does it mean when you have myelitis?
Myelitis simply means inflammation of the spinal cord. It is not a disease in itself but a symptom of a range of conditions, so diagnosis can be a complex process.
What tests are recommended for spinal stenosis?
Your doctor is then likely to refer you for tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, a spinal tap, or blood tests, to rule out conditions such as spinal stenosis, slipped disk, lupus, HIV or a spinal tumour.
Can myelitis be prevented?
It’s possible to prevent some of the infections which can lead to myelitis, but for idiopathic myelitis there is no known prevention. Myelitis affects people of all ages, and there is no specific risk factor which predisposes you to it.
What is the best treatment for transverse myelitis?
Some people who have a viral infection of the spinal cord may be treated with medications to treat the virus. Pain medication. Chronic pain is a common complication of transverse myelitis. Medications that may lessen muscle pain include common pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, ...
How do you diagnose transverse myelitis?
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.
What medications are used for neuromyelitis optica?
People who have antibodies associated with neuromyelitis optica need ongoing medications, such as corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressants, to reduce their chances of more transverse myelitis attacks or developing optic neuritis.
What is the blood test for neuromyelitis optica?
Blood tests may include a test that checks for antibodies associated with neuromyelitis optica, a condition in which inflammation occurs both in your spinal cord and in the nerve in your eye. People with a positive antibody test are at increased risk of experiencing multiple attacks of transverse myelitis and require treatment to prevent future attacks.
What is the best treatment for spinal cord inflammation?
Steroids help reduce the inflammation in your spinal column. Plasma exchange therapy. People who don't respond to intravenous steroids may need plasma exchange therapy. This involves removing the straw-colored fluid in which blood cells are suspended (plasma) and replacing the plasma with special fluids.
What is the best medicine for nerve pain?
Nerve pain may be treated with antidepressant drugs, such as sertraline (Zoloft), and anticonvulsant drugs, such as gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise) or pregabalin (Lyrica). Medications to treat other complications. Your doctor may prescribe other medications as needed to treat problems such as muscle spasticity, urinary or bowel dysfunction, ...
Is transverse myelitis a prognosis?
It's difficult to predict the course of transverse myelitis. The prognosis and responsiveness to treatment is strongly determined by the cause of the syndrome and to some extent by how early treatment is administered. Generally, people who experience a rapid onset of severe signs and symptoms and those who have a positive test for a particular antibody have a worse prognosis than do those with a relatively slower onset, milder symptoms and negative antibody test.
What is a transverse myelitis team?
A team of neurologists, rehabilitation specialists, neuropsychiatrists, neurosurgeons, neuro-ophthalmologists, therapists and other scientists facilitate the evaluation and management of patients affected by transverse myelitis.
How to contact Johns Hopkins Transverse Myelitis Center?
To request an appointment or refer a patient, please contact the Johns Hopkins Transverse Myelitis Center at 410-502-7099, option 1.
How to contact Johns Hopkins Transverse Myelitis Center?
To request an appointment or refer a patient, please contact the Johns Hopkins Transverse Myelitis Center at 410-502-7099, option 1.
Is TM a manifestation of a disease?
For others, TM may be a manifestation of another disorder, such as neuromyelitis optica, multiple sclerosis, sarcoidosis, lupus, to name a few. In these cases, ongoing treatment with medications that modulate or suppress your immune system may be necessary.
What are the symptoms of transverse myelitis?
People with symptoms of transverse myelitis may: Develop a rapidly progressive disorder with back pain, numbness, and tingling in the legs, trunk, and sometimes arms. Have weakness in the legs and sometimes in the arms. The weakness may become severe at times, leading to complete paralysis. Have trouble with bowel and bladder function.
What is the name of the neurological disorder that is similar to multiple sclerosis?
Certain people with TM have a related disorder, neuromyelitis optica (NMO). NMO is another neurological disorder that is similar to multiple sclerosis that may cause severe symptoms involving the optic nerve and spinal cord. Some people with incomplete TM may develop multiple sclerosis (MS), but most patients with typical TM do not go on ...
What is TM in medical terms?
Transverse myelitis ( TM) is a rare neurological disorder that may be caused by high levels of the immune protein, Il-6, in the spinal fluid. An overview of TM is provided.
When is TM considered a diagnosis?
The diagnosis of TM is considered when patients develop subacute (over a few days) spinal cord symptoms and signs as described above, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or other imaging does not show another cause for the spinal cord disorders.
What causes TM in a person?
Diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren's syndrome, or sarcoidosis can cause TM. TM can develop in association with a variety of infections caused by both viruses (such as herpes simplex, Epstein-Barr, influenza, and HIV) and bacteria (such as tuberculosis, syphilis, and Lyme's disease ).
Can transverse myelitis be tested?
Transverse myelitis may occur with other diseases, and sometimes testing needs to be directed at isolating these disorders as well as the TM.
Can TM be treated with Lupus?
If lupus or another disorder is causing the TM, treatment may take longer. In general, transverse myelitis that is not caused by another disorder is a one-time disease and does not require continuing treatment other than whatever rehabilitation is necessary for the best recovery possible.
What doctor treats NMO?
The main doctors involved in diagnosing and treating NMO include: neurologists, who treat conditions that affect the spinal cord and brain. ophthalmologists, who specialize in conditions that affect the eyes. physical therapists ,who may recommend exercises to improve your mobility, flexibility, coordination, and strength.
Who can help you learn more about the healthcare professionals who might be involved in your treatment?
Your primary care doctor or neurologist can help you learn more about the healthcare professionals who might be involved in your treatment.
What should a specialist listen to?
Your specialist should listen closely to any questions and concerns that you have. They should also try to answer your questions and share information in terms that you can understand.
Who can help you learn about disability benefits?
social workers, who may help you learn about and access disability benefits, workplace accommodations, or other support services
Who can help you learn more about the role that various professionals may play in your care?
Your primary care doctor or neurologist can help you learn more about the role that various professionals may play in your care.
What doctor can help with menieres?
As you seek out providers, the ear, nose and throat doctors who do not handle Meniere’s may be able to give you referrals to those who do. One common recommendation is consulting a Neurologist who specializes in balance and hearing disorders. This is probably your best course of action. While the ENT is capable of getting a history and providing a diagnosis, Neurologists usually have more experience with Meniere’s. Some area of the country even have offices dedicated to dizziness and balance in conjunction with a Neurological practice.
What does it mean when a doctor rushes you to an appointment?
The doctor rushes the appointment treating that time more like “fast food” than medical care. A doctor labels some of your symptoms as “just stress” or depression. The specialist has not coordinated with or communicated with your primary and other physicians. Your Neurologist or ENT orders tests without explaining why.
Do you have to have confidence in your doctor for Meniere's?
Each of these elements matter in finding the right doctor for Meniere’s. Statistic show that people who do not have full confidence in their provider , or who feel uncomfortable around that person, have a much lower rate of following care plans for management and/or treatment.
Can a doctor diagnose Meniere's disease?
Finding the Meniere’s Disease doctor that works for you can be a bit challenging. Most general practitioners are ill-equipped to diagnose this syndrome let alone treat it. Even with specialists, the battery of tests that you have to go through to get a solid diagnosis is daunting. This leads to feeling hopeless and helpless, which should not happen. The best Meniere’s doctors know how to move you through the process and keep moving you forward after diagnosis.
What is the treatment for TM?
Acute therapy for TM includes high doses of corticosteroids and, in some patients, plasma exchange therapy. Other interventions are considered on an individual basis. Beyond the anti-inflammatory therapies for TM, rehabilitation is essential to recovery.
What are the different types of neurology tests?
We conduct a careful medical history, a neurologic exam, and a variety of tests that can include: 1 Blood tests 2 Evoked potentials (EP) 3 Optical coherence tomography (OCT) 4 Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 5 Spinal fluid analysis
What is TM in medical terms?
The true incidence is unknown, with one study estimating 1,400 cases per year. A variant of TM, acute flaccid myelitis ( AFM), has been increasing in prevalence but primarily affects children.TM can be caused by autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis or neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), or it can occur after an infection, in which case it’s referred to as idiopathic transverse myelitis.
