title: Transverse myelitis.
abstract: Transverse myelitis (TM) includes a pathobiologically heterogeneous syndrome characterized by acute or subacute spinal cord dysfunction resulting in paresis, a sensory level, and autonomic (bladder, bowel, and sexual) impairment below the level of the lesion. Etiologies for TM can be broadly classified as parainfectious, paraneoplastic, drug/toxin-induced, systemic autoimmune disorders, and acquired demyelinating diseases. We discuss the clinical evaluation, workup, and acute and long-term management of patients with TM. Additionally, we briefly discuss various disease entities that may cause TM and their salient distinguishing features, as well as disorders that may mimic TM.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
authors.forename: Shin C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Beh
authors.forename: Benjamin M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Greenberg
authors.forename: Teresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Frohman
authors.forename: Elliot M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Frohman
mesh_terms: D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D009188:Myelitis, Transverse / Q000266:history / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology