transverse myelitis

noun

: a rare neurological condition of sudden onset that is marked especially by pain, muscle weakness or paralysis, abnormal sensations (such as tingling in the digits), and loss of bladder or bowel control and is caused by inflammation of the spinal cord and damage of myelin

Note: Transverse myelitis is often preceded by viral or bacterial infections or inflammatory conditions (such as multiple sclerosis or lupus).

The virus brought on transverse myelitis, an inflammation of the spinal cord that cost him the use of his legs.

—Michael Farber

Most people with transverse myelitis recover at least partially. Those with severe attacks sometimes are left with major disabilities.

—Mayo Clinic

—abbreviation TM

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for transverse myelitis

• diverticulitis
• epididymitis
• osteoarthritis
• periodontitis
• polymyositis
• pyelonephritis
• tenosynovitis
• adenitis
• arteritis
• cervicitis
• cholangitis
• choroiditis

Medical Definition

transverse myelitis

noun

: a rare neurological condition of sudden onset that is marked especially by pain, muscle weakness or paralysis, abnormal sensations (such as tingling in the digits), and loss of bladder or bowel control and is caused by inflammation of the spinal cord and damage of myelin

Note: Transverse myelitis is often preceded by viral or bacterial infections or inflammatory conditions (such as multiple sclerosis or lupus).

Approximately one-third of patients with transverse myelitis recover with little to no sequelae, one-third are left with a moderate degree of permanent disability, and one-third have severe disabilities.

— Cristina L. Sadowsky et al., Continuum

The postinfectious, postvaccination, and idiopathic forms of transverse myelitis are usually monophasic syndromes, whereas multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis … are relapsing diseases that are associated with a high risk of future attacks of transverse myelitis and other neurologic events.

—Elliot M. Frohman and Dean M. Wingerchuk, The New England Journal of Medicine

—abbreviation TM