Transverse Myelitis
Transverse Myelitis (TM) is a rare inflammatory disease causing injury to the spinal cord with varying degrees of weakness, sensory problems, bowel or bladder control problems and autonomic dysfunction. The cause of Transverse Myelitis may be autoimmune, or infectious, but a number of cases have idiopathic Transverse Myelitis where the cause is not identified. Transverse Myelitis may be a monophasic, recurrent or progressive disease. The treatment approach is dependent on the cause and disease course (monophasic vs. recurrent or progressive).
The Bodford Family Transverse Myelitis Center (BFTMC) at UNC Hospitals Hillsborough Campus provides comprehensive, patient-centered care for pediatric and adult patients with transverse myelitis. It is one of the few centers in the country dedicated to this rare and complex condition.
Services We Offer
We offer the following services:
- Treatments for acute attacks of transverse myelitis (in-patient or out-patient, depending on the severity of the condition): I.V. steroids, plasma exchange, intravenous immunoglobulins
- Maintenance immunotherapies
- Multimodal symptomatic treatment for specific symptoms
- Multimodal neuro-rehabilitation programs: physical therapy including pelvic health, occupational therapy, cognitive and speech rehabilitation if needed, functional electric stimulation and neuroprosthetics
- Psychosocial support (individual interventions and support groups) – To learn more, join us for one of our upcoming support groups. You do not need to be a patient of UNC to attend.
