Spine Disorders
TREATMENT As with many disorders of the spinal cord, no effective cure
currently exists for people with transverse myelitis. Treatments are designed
to manage and alleviate symptoms and largely depend upon the severity of
neurological involvement. Therapy generally begins when the patient first
experiences symptoms. Physicians often prescribe corticosteroid therapy during
the first few weeks of illness to decrease inflammation. Although no clinical
trials have investigated whether corticosteroids alter the course of transverse
myelitis, these drugs often are prescribed to reduce immune system activity
because of the suspected autoimmune mechanisms involved in the disorder.
Corticosteroid medications that might be prescribed may include
methylprednisone or dexamethasone. General analgesia will likely be prescribed
for any pain the patient may have. Bedrest is often recommended during the
initial days and weeks after onset of myelitis. Following initial therapy, the most critical part of the treatment
for this disorder consists of keeping the patient’s body functioning while
hoping for either complete or partial spontaneous recovery of the nervous
system. This may sometimes require placing the patient on a respirator.
Patients with acute symptoms, such as paralysis, are most often treated in a
hospital or in a rehabilitation facility where a specialized medical team can
prevent or treat problems that afflict paralyzed patients. Often, even before
recovery begins, caregivers may be instructed to move patients’ limbs manually
to help keep the muscles flexible and strong, and to reduce the likelihood of
pressure sores developing in immobilized areas. Physical therapy should be
initiated in an attempt to begin to help improve muscle strength, coordination,
and range of motion. It is important to identify and treat the underlying cause if possible. PREVENTION The best
way to prevent severe and permanent complications from myelitis is to recognize
signs and symptoms early and to seek timely diagnosis and treatment. The best
way to prevent neck and back pain and to prevent progressive spine compromise
is to become familiar with how your spine works and to become an active
participant in your spinecare. It is important to learn how to choose a
spinecare specialist and to recognize an efficient spinecare team. There are
many steps you can take and habits you can develop to better care for your
spine and prevent spine injury. It is also important that you learn more about
your spine disorder and become aware of the signs and symptoms that warrant
intervention and follow up care. Early detection and timely intervention is
generally associated with better treatment outcome. |