Transverse myelitis and reflect the level of the affected spinal cord. The underlying cause of transverse myelitis is unknown. The spinal cord inflammation seen in TM has been associated with various infections, immune system disorders, or damage to nerve fibers, by loss of myelin sheaths. Decreased electrical conductivity in the nervous system can result. Symptoms include weakness and numbness of the limbs, deficits in sensation and motor skills, dysfunctional urethral and anal sphincter activities, and dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system that can lead to episodes of high blood pressure. Symptoms typically develop over the course of hours to a few weeks.
Acute flaccid myelitis suggesting that the paralysis "per se" is not directly contagious, but arises as a very rare complication of the common respiratory infection. Cases of similar illnesses have been reported in Canada, northern Europe, and Japan. Acute flaccid myelitis Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a rare but serious neurological illness of sudden onset, usually in children. It presents with localised limb weakness and visible changes on MRI. The cause is not currently agreed upon though many sources point to enterovirus 68 as potentially responsible for the condition. Although the illness is not new, a marked increase in cases has been seen