What Is Transverse Myelitis?
Transverse myelitis is an inflammatory condition that occurs in the spinal column along a single section. The inflammation interrupts the signals between the brain, the nerves along the impacted section of the spinal cord and the connecting nerves in other areas of the body, leading to painful and debilitating symptoms.
This disorder can affect those of any gender, age or race. However, people between the ages of 10 and 19 are more prone to get the disorder, as are those between the ages of 30 and 39. There does not appear to be a genetic factor involved, and it does not run in families. Within the United States, approximately 1,400 people are diagnosed with the condition each year.
