Transverse myelitis Transverse myelitis Transverse myelitis (TM) is a rare neurological condition in which the spinal cord is inflamed. "Transverse" implies that the inflammation extends across the entire width of the spinal cord. Partial transverse myelitis and partial myelitis are terms used to define inflammation of the spinal cord that affects part of the width of the spinal cord. TM is characterized by 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. Signs and symptoms are variable
Acute flaccid myelitis 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 since 2014. No effective treatment for the condition is known. Acute flaccid myelitis is not a new condition, but the incidence has spiked in recent years. A group in Texas reported having observed a pattern