# Transverse Myelitis (Spinal Cord Inflammation) and Physical Therapy URL: https://engincakar.com/en/transverse-myelitis-spinal-cord-inflammation-and-physical-therapy/ Yazar: Engin Çakar Tarih: 2024-08-16 --- **Transverse myelitis** is a disease which affects spinal cord. When the **myeline sheath**which is a protective cover on the nerve fibers of spinal cord **is inflamed**, it causes many neurological disturbances. Transverse myelitis is also known commonly as **spinal cord inflammation**. **The severity of symptoms** caused by the disease **depends on which nerves got damaged in what degree.**  Sayfa İçeriği - [On Whom Transverse Myelitis (Spinal Cord Inflammation) is Seen?](#On_Whom_Transverse_Myelitis_Spinal_Cord_Inflammation_is_Seen) - [What are the Symptoms of Transverse Myelitis?](#What_are_the_Symptoms_of_Transverse_Myelitis) - [Transverse Myelitis and Physical Therapy](#Transverse_Myelitis_and_Physical_Therapy) ## **On Whom Transverse Myelitis (Spinal Cord Inflammation) is Seen?** Transverse Myelitis develops due to many factors of **auto-immune** diseases and **inflammatory**situations. It can also develop due to viral bacteria or infections. It may occur as a response of the immune system against the infections like chicken pox and measles. ![transvers miyelit ve aşı](https://engincakar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/doctor-filling-syringe-with-vaccine-2022-02-10-02-03-24-utc-1024x683.jpg) ## **What are the Symptoms of Transverse Myelitis?** Symptoms of spinal cord inflammation start suddenly and advance rapidly in general. **The commonly seen symptoms are:** - Development of muscle weakness or paralysis in legs - Development of muscle weakness or paralysis in arms - Sensory problems - Feeling of pain, numbness and tingling in arms and legs - Problems of urination and excreta - Involuntary contraction of muscles (spasticity) - Tiredness and depression  Advancement of the complaints may be prevented by medications even if there is no exact treatment of transverse myelitis. Besides these, a **comprehensive physical therapy and rehabilitation program** should be initiated at the earliest period. **Physical therapy and rehabilitation are quite important to prevent and treat the function losses like muscle weakness and walking disorders**which may ensue.  ## **Transverse Myelitis and Physical Therapy** **The physical therapy and rehabilitation applications are initiated at the earliest period** for the patient whose vital findings are controlled, and medical situation is stabilized. The physical therapy and rehabilitation expert doctor **defines a suitable treatment plan for the needs of the patient** by examining the patient comprehensively. Health experts from various branches, like physiotherapist, ergotherapist, speech-swallowing therapist, physical therapy technician, respiratory therapist and rehabilitation nurse, strive as a team for the rehabilitation of the patient.  ![Omurilik iltihaplanması ve egzersiz](https://engincakar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/middle-aged-patient-exercising-in-neurological-reh-2021-11-04-21-23-06-utc-1024x683.jpg) Initially, **the prevention of decreased muscle power and protection of movement are aimed** in physical therapy. Increase of muscle power, relearning of the correct walking, development of hand-arm usage and increase of independence are ensured with physical therapy applications and exercises.  Physical therapy agents like TENS and hot/cold applications can be used for the pains which may develop due to the disease. ![bilgisayarlı denge sistemi biodex](https://engincakar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/biodex-300x168.jpg) Balance loss may ensue due to the impact on the spinal cord. With the balance and coordination exercises, this loss can be prevented.![beyin hasarı rehabilitasyonu](https://engincakar.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/robotik-tedavi-300x157.webp) **Robotic physical therapy applications** which are suitable for the potential and need of the patient are **benefited**as auxiliary measures of conventional physical therapy methods. The advanced robotic technologies like robotic bed, gait robot, hand-arm robot, anti-gravity treadmill and computerized balance device may be included in the therapy according to the level of the patient. ![](https://engincakar.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ortez-kullanimi-e1546782595424-1024x730-1-300x214.jpg) Orthoses which enable the patients to redo the lost functions, provide support and help walking can be used if needed. **Private AFOs** may be recommended especially for the *patients whose walking pattern has been disordered or ankle control has been lost.* ![pelvik taban terapisi](https://engincakar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/closeup-gynecologist-showing-structure-of-pelvis-a-2023-03-24-22-13-27-utc-1024x681.jpg) In case of the patients with **bladder and intestine problems**, and who experience problems of urinary and fecal incontinence, trainings are given to the patients to prevent and manage the complications with the exercises for **pelvic floor muscles**.  Transverse myelitis affects the life quality of the persons a lot. A **comprehensive physical therapy and rehabilitation program** is quite important *to increase the quality of daily life and regain the lost functions*. The patients should abide regularly to the personalized physical therapy programs and not forget being in a process which requires patience.  You can watch: [Success Story of Ms. Menekşe who Had Paralysis Caused by Transverse Myelitis (Spinal Cord Inflammation)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovwwxTiWGhU)