Myelitis

Overview

Myelitis is an inflammation of the medulla oblongata of the brain. It is a disease of the spinal cord in which there is demyelination. A disorder of the lower spinal cord in adult males resulting in progressive paraplegia. The onset of the disorder is typically sudden. Acute transverse myelitis, which affects the entire thickness of the spinal cord, produces both motor and sensory dysfunctions.

Symptoms

* Paresthesia * Numbness * Altered sensation * Leg weakness * Arm weakness * Back pain * Leg pain * Arm pain * Bowel dysfunction * Bladder dysfunction * Back pain * Muscle spasms * Malaise * Headache * Anorexia * Numbness * Leg paresthesia * Sensorimotor paralysis below the level of the inflammation * Urinary retention * Sexual dysfunction * Fecal incontinence * Absent tendon reflexes below the level of the inflammation * Abdominal muscle paralysis

Causes

* Certain viruses - causing viral myelitis - Herpesvirus - Polio virus - HIV * Syphilis

Diagnosis

* Spinal MRI * Myelography

Prognosis

Untreated myelitis may rapidly lead to a permanently damaged spinal cord.

Treatment

No effective treatment exists for acute transverse myelitis. However, this condition requires appropriate treatment of any underlying infection. Some patients with postinfectious or multiple sclerosis–induced myelitis have received steroid therapy, but its benefits aren’t clear.