The spinal cord plays a fundamental role in the central nervous system of human beings since it is responsible for connecting the nerves of most of the body with our brain. When the material that covers it becomes inflamed, the patient may be suffering from transverse myelitis, a disease that requires treatment to improve the individual's quality of life.
What is transverse myelitis?
Transverse myelitis is a neurological disorder caused by inflammation of the spinal cord. This condition damages myelin, which is the material that lines nerve cells and helps send messages from spinal nerves to the rest of the body.
Transverse myelitis causes sensory, motor and autonomic problems in a variable way, causing muscle weakness, paralysis or bladder dysfunction, among other symptoms.
Symptoms of transverse myelitis
The first signs of transverse myelitis usually appear suddenly for a few hours to a few days and are capable of progressively evolving over weeks.
In some cases, symptoms occur on only one side of the body but it is also common for it to affect the entire body or below the spinal cord area.
In summary, the signs and symptoms of transverse myelitis are:
- Pain: It will depend on the level at which the spinal cord is inflamed and although it commonly affects the lower back, legs and arms, it can also be felt in the feet, hands and neck.
- Sensitivity: sensations of tingling, numbness, cold or burning are common. Sensitivity to touch or temperature are the main ways in which it occurs.
- Weakness: The muscles of the arms and legs may become heavy to the point that the patient may stumble or drag his feet to move. In the most severe cases, total paralysis can occur.
- Dysfunctions: The affected organs are usually the bladder and intestines, which causes frequent urination, urinary incontinence and/or constipation.
Causes of transverse myelitis
Transverse myelitis is idiopathic, which means that its causes are not entirely clear. Even so, it is possible to relate this disease to various pathologies, conditions or external agents.
Between the viruses associated with transverse myelitis We can mention the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the West Nile virus (WNV), the Zika virus (ZIKV), the enterovirus (EV-D68) or the varicella-zoster virus (shingles).
There's also bacterial infections associated with transverse myelitis such as Borrelia burgdorferi that causes Lyme Disease, Treponema Pallidum that causes syphilis and Mycobacterium that causes tuberculosis.
Likewise, there are different inflammatory conditions that may be causative factors for myelitis. These include multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica (Devic's disease), systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren's syndrome (dry mucous membranes syndrome) and sarcaidosis (Besnier-Boeck disease).
Sometimes, Vaccination against infectious diseases is also considered a possible triggering factor for transverse myelitis. although at the moment sufficient evidence has not been gathered to decree it.
Types of myelitis
Myelitis recovery time is variable. Studies indicate that only one-third of patients with transverse myelitis make a full recovery. Others experience great improvements but suffer moderate disabilities.
Broadly, myelitis can be classified in two different ways:
- By the degree of severity
- For the area it affects
Depending on the degree of severity, the types of myelitis are:
- Acute myelitis: Symptoms appear quickly and abruptly and are easier to treat.
- Subacute myelitis: Symptoms appear gradually and are more difficult to detect early.
- Chronic myelitis: Symptoms appear and last over time; in older people they are more difficult to treat.
For its part, depending on the area it affects, myelitis can be:
- Limited: affects an exact point on the spinal cord
- Diffuse: affects the entire spinal cord
- Multifocal: affects several areas of the spinal cord
- Transverse: affects various segments that are next to each other
Diagnosis of transverse myelitis
Although most patients with transverse myelitis partially recover, this can happen after a year or more. In some cases, the patient may be left with no or slight disability and in others the consequences may be moderate to severe.
Life expectancy in transverse myelitis is not determined by a specific period of time, but will depend on other factors such as age, causes, and degree of severity of the disease.
Diagnosing transverse myelitis is very complex since its symptoms are easily related to other diseases. To carry out a medical test for myelitis, the specialist may direct the patient to perform a blood test, an MRI, a CT scan, or a lumbar or spinal tap..
Spinal cord MRI
An MRI image of the spinal cord helps a lot to obtain information about the structure and composition of the affected area.. It creates clear and detailed images of the spine and its surrounding tissues, which may or may not help identify possible compression or inflammation of the spinal cord and nerves.
Lumbar puncture to remove cerebrospinal fluid
For its part, Lumbar puncture is a procedure commonly performed to obtain samples of cerebrospinal fluid for a complete analysis of the patient.. In some cases, it is also used to instill drugs or to reduce pressure within the central nervous system.
In patients with transverse myelitis, abnormal amounts of white blood cells or immune system proteins that indicate inflammation may appear in the extracted fluid.
Blood test for neuromyelitis optica
The blood test also helps detect the antibody that causes neuromyelitis optica and promotes multiple sclerosis or other disorders. Life expectancy in patients with neuromyelitis optica is reduced by between 7 and 14 years compared to the average of the healthy population.
Transverse myelitis treatments
The therapeutic treatment of transverse myelitis may include different techniques:
- Steroid application intravenous to reduce inflammation
- Plasma exchange to extract harmful substances
- Antiviral medications in case of a viral infection
- Analgesics for chronic pain
- Physiotherapy to improve strength and coordination
If you present symptoms related to any type of myelitis, it is always advisable to go to a specialist who can make a diagnosis and indicate the best treatment. We recommend you ask for a date in it Institute of Advanced Spine Surgery in Madrid, where we have the experience of a team of highly qualified traumatologists and the most advanced technology for back treatment.
71 thoughts on “Mielitis transversa: cómo tratar esta afección de la médula espinal”
Hello, I have my younger brother for 2 months with severe myelitis, he did not respond to corticosteroids and he also depends on a respirator. He is 38 years old. I am desperate. Can you help me? The doctor says his death is imminent.
Hello Laura,
Unfortunately, with this data we cannot give you a diagnosis, the causes of myelitis are many and it will depend on each one having one type of treatment or another.
We are sorry and very encouraged.
Good morning, after 1 and a half years since November 2022, I have been diagnosed with transverse myelitis due to vaccines.
The evoked potential test determined that my body from the thorax down is not responding.
The reality is that I have been asleep for 24 hours but I am lucky enough to walk, although not perfectly.
Every day it gets worse, it is difficult for me to bend my knees and the pain in my legs and back worsens over time.
I take 5 pregabalin pills prescribed by
Doctor.
But I'm not moving forward. Every day I get worse even though the neurologist told me that even though people with that test are in wheelchairs, I will stop walking.
The truth is that I am afraid.
Can you help me?
Hello Jose,
We can see you in consultation and recommend physiotherapy treatment to improve your lifestyle.
You can make an appointment by calling 910 053 900
Greetings
Hello. I have been attending the national neurosurgery institute for 3 years, treating myself with a great doctor. I went to the hospital for optical beirutís and they started treating me with rituzimab. The skid gave me an acute flare-up and they did plasmapheresis and I could walk again, my vision was blurry, but I could see. I was in therapy and well I revived every 6 months they give me my rotuzimab treatment only that recently they wanted to give me an acute outbreak and when I had the MRI they discovered a nodule in my thyroid and they stopped me from having my treatment. And they have to operate on me. But in that Inter they told me that my module is clean. But can't neuritis cause an outbreak? Well, I haven't felt well. But I don't know what to do anymore? You can dispel my doubt that I feel like I am indelible. Please!
Hello Elvia,
We do not understand your question very well, we would need a little more detailed explanation about your case.
You can get in touch here to tell us about your case so that one of our specialists can help you.
Greetings
Hello, I've had transverse myelitis for 10 years. I suffer from pain and burning.
I use a catheter to urinate.
Problems defecating
I take pregabalin 150mg every 8 hours
Is there anything else you can help me with?
Hi Ricardo,
Treatment with pregabalin can help control neuropathic pain, but in some cases it may be necessary to complement it with other medical or rehabilitation strategies.
In order to provide you with more precise guidance on other options that may help you, we will need to assess your complete medical history, the tests you've completed, and your current situation. If you're in Spain or would like a video consultation, you can schedule an appointment with our team by calling 91 005 39 00.
Greetings.
Hello Laura, I have a similar case, can you help me contact you?
Good morning, a year ago I had an ocular neuritus that left me without vision in my right eye, but they treated me with an intravenous corticosteroid, and it helped me a lot, and I managed to see again with my right eye after 3 months, but a month ago I started with a burning sensation and pain in my back that I couldn't tolerate even the shirt and the bra. I couldn't urinate or have a bowel movement. In addition, I became numb from my stomach to my feet, and finally I no longer had any strength in my legs. and I had to have someone on my side to help me, they took me to the emergency room and hospitalized me for 5 days with intravenous steroids for 5 days and 5 doses, and then they sent me home to continue taking it, I am much better and walking normally. , the dorsal part no longer hurts me, but what worries me is the anxiety to eat, the hot flashes and above all what worries me the most is that every certain time that I normally walk I get a terrible tingling sensation in both of my legs. legs and they even come with cramps, it's like I have electricity and I have to support myself with something to be able to get back on my feet and it's very difficult for me, at least 20 of them a day happen to me and I get very desperate, I need your help please, at least I want to know if that It is normal or not.
Hello María, of course it is not normal. You should go to a specialist, not just the emergency room, to have studies and tests done to analyze everything and find the cause of your situation.
All the best.
Hello, I suffer from optic neuritis, they did some studies such as MRI, the doctors told me that I have to wait since it could be the beginning of a deminializing disease, there is nothing to do, I feel desperate. All this has come together with an anxiety disorder and depression.
Hello Karelis,
This pathology must be treated with an ophthalmology specialist. Unfortunately we do not have that specialty.
Greetings.
Good morning, my elderly mother-in-law, the doctor told us she may have transverse myelitis. She can no longer walk. She has a lot of pain in different parts of her body. What medication do you recommend?
Hello Liliana,
I'm so sorry to hear about your mother-in-law's situation. In order to prescribe appropriate medication and provide the correct treatment, it's essential that you see a doctor in person. Given the complex condition of transverse myelitis, a thorough medical evaluation is ideal.
If you wish, you can schedule an appointment at our center, where our specialists can conduct a detailed assessment and advise you on the appropriate treatment.
We remain at your disposal for any further questions.
Good night
I have my two-year-old nephew hospitalized due to paralysis of his body that was progressing and he has been in the ICU since the first day of hospitalization. They performed some studies on him and today they tell us that he has acute transverse myelitis. I want to know if there is any treatment, such as transplant can leave our baby healthy since they told us that he will remain practically in a vegetative state. Please we need help or some foundation or clinic to help us with the baby. He was a healthy and very energetic baby. God bless you.
Hello Marcela, we are very sorry for your nephew's diagnosis. Unfortunately it is a very complex case and we are sure that the doctors who are treating him are doing everything possible to help him.
Greetings
Hello, good day, I am 16 years old, in 2019 I was going to turn 12 and that was when I got transverse myelitis up to my hip, in 2020 I stopped going to therapies due to the Covid pandemic, at that time my spinal cord was reducing inflammation and now It is not inflamed, since 2021 I went to physical and occupational therapies again, thanks to this I can move my feet a little and I also have a little sensitivity, I would like to know if there is a possibility that I can walk again as I did before or not anymore Will I even be able to know if at least I could walk again with some device... I hope you can answer me, thank you
Hello Moon,
To give you an answer about your case, we would need to see in detail all your medical studies and perform a physical examination. Request your private appointment by calling 910 053 900 and we will be able to evaluate your case in detail to give you answers and instructions on how to move forward with your case.
Greetings
Hello. All the content is interesting. 1 year and 4 months ago I got longitudinal transverse myelitis and 3 months later I got neuromyelitis optica. 2 weeks before I got myelitis I got vaccinated against influenza and pneumococcus. It is possible that they were the cause. And what is the probability that it will remain normal as before. I am currently on prednisone and aziatropine. Alright?
Hello Renatta,
A priori, it is a rheumatic and immunological pathology, so we recommend that you consult with experts in that matter.
Cheers
Excellent information, thank you, it was very useful to me.
More than 10 years ago I had a problem with an ovarian teratoma, and at the same time I began to feel weakness in my right leg and incontinence and constipation. We thought that by removing the teratoma the other symptoms would be eliminated but that was not the case, my problems continued to worsen, I stopped walking, I had a lot of sensitivity in my body and my incontinence problem. They took me to a neurologist and after MRIs they diagnosed me with multiple sclerosis. I was on corticosteroids and after 3 months I began to walk little by little. After 3 years of treatment with interferon I had no symptoms, only sensitivity and a little weakness in my legs. After several MRIs, no lesion was detected in my spine and brain, so the neurologist said it was not MS but transverse myelitis. To date my only sequelae have been weakness and sensitivity in my legs. Since they told me it was not MS, I stopped taking interferon and did not continue with treatment. My question is, is there a chance that I could have a relapse? Or does transverse myelitis affect only once?
Hello Caroline,
In some cases a new case of myelitis has occurred, although it may also not recur.
Greetings
I got acute traverse myelitis inflammation of the spinal cord 2021 they treated me with several stem cells plasma corticosteroids I am paraplegic and it is difficult mine was viral but the MRI showed that my vertebrae are fine I take garampetin and dulcolax and tramadol for treatment due to pain Waking up is fatal, it's difficult because you can't even work. I was given conadis, severely disabled by myelitis. I'm 40 years old and at 38 I got this disease. I would like to know more about traverse myelitis. I read and they are almost the same studies in depth about the disease in Zuisa. I read. Even though it's an experimental slide that makes you walk, but I signed up for the clinic and I didn't receive a response. I hope they respond and there is a possibility that it will improve. One can recover from traverse myelitis. Robot therapies will help here in Peru. There is a brain. I hope to improve.
Hello Maximiliana,
It is difficult to tell you from this comment alone how your case will progress. The prognosis and response to treatment are fully determined by the cause of the pathology and when the treatment is administered.
We hope you receive more information about the experimental treatment to see if you can apply for it.
Greetings
Good morning, I am from Panama and I have had many symptoms for two years until now, a lot of pain in the right side of the body, tiredness, drowsiness, muscle spasms, the bladder feels tight, urinary urgency, loss of memory, hyperreflexia of the right side of the body, loss of strength in the hands. and bilateral legs, burning, headache is very horrible even loss of control of anal sphincter the neuro told me that I had transverse myelitis plr a neuro conduction test that is decreased from C7 to T1, gavapentin does not help me, the neurologist He told me that it was probably the COVID 19 vaccine since I never got covid and after the vaccine I started having symptoms about a month later, how long will it take to know if I will improve or will I have these symptoms for the rest of my life?
Hello Vianka,
We would have to review your case and evaluate a diagnosis and steps to follow to give you an accurate answer.
It is complicated with so many symptoms and without seeing any evidence to be able to give you an answer.
Greetings
Hello, I was detected with transverse myelitis on April 8, 2022. I have been with this disease for two years and there is no improvement. My legs are spastic and very heavy. I cannot straighten them. They are always bent like a fetal position. I have gone to therapy but it doesn't work at all. I can't lose weight and that prevents me from moving, I'm always in bed because due to my weight I can't get into a wheelchair and the pain in my legs is unbearable and also the use of a foley catheter...
Temgp 74 years old, today I am in a scream, and they diagnosed myelitis in the pudendal trunk in Argentina
23 years ago. It's only been three years since they gave me Gabapentin, and that saved my life.
On Christmas Eve I had a crisis and I don't have any painkillers.
I'm hot and praying until I see what the doctor gives me on January 2nd, I need to calm down, I have total incontinence of urine and fecal matter, I use diapers and I try to BE HAPPY
Blessings and good luck, may God protect you, and me too
Layla Lain
God bless you. I also have myelopathy and I don't know what I would do without my faith.
Hello, I have a 7-year-old little girl, she was diagnosed with acute transverse myelitis in March 2020, as the pandemic was just beginning it was very difficult for me to get her treated, I did not notice the symptoms, she started with stumbling and high reflexes , was attended to until December of that year. Her damage was caused by walking, she does not walk well, she is now undergoing therapy. As a result of the myelitis, other diseases arose, such as vitamin K deficiency combined with factors and chronic hepatitis. My question is if this is due to the myelitis, and if she will be able to walk on her own.
Hello Sandra,
In some cases you can see a great recovery. Although we cannot assert anything without knowledge of the case.
We hope all goes well.
Greetings
Hello, my son in September 2023 became very serious and was diagnosed with extensive longitudinal transverse myelitis. He completely lost mobility from the neck down. He was hospitalized for 12 days and was given corticosteroids, immunoglubin, and for the pain, the doctor told us that to start walking it could have been in 7 months but thank God and His mercy they gave him physical and occupational therapy, my son walked a month after a month now he only needs to move his hands, he continues taking pregabalin, feitoin, senocidos to help regulate his sphincters, and The doctor gave him a vitamin medication called Nucleus.
My question is will he be able to move his hands or could it be a sequel?
Hello, Elizabeth,
It is difficult to tell you if it can be permanent or can be recovered without knowing certain details of the case.
For example, age, evolution, and other important data from the medical history.
Greetings
Hello. I have my father with myelitis. I would like to know how I should contact someone to help me. He's been like this since August, his bladder and kidneys don't work and it's hard for him to walk. Even the first few days I remained immobile from my hips to my feet.
Hello Belen,
You can make an appointment by calling 91 005 39 00 for one of our specialists to review your father's case and see the steps to follow.
Greetings
My name is HILARIO Castañon
I have traverse myelitis, and I have a lot of pins and needles in my feet from the knee down. They also feel numb and that makes it difficult for me to walk. I would like to know if there is medication for that or if I have to live with it for the rest of my life. I also have pain in my lower back. Can you help me please. Thank you. I am from Zacatecas Zacatecas Mexico
Hello Hilario,
There are different treatments depending on the symptoms. The best thing to do would be to have a specialist review you and develop a treatment with professional follow-up.
Greetings
Hello, I have been diagnosed with transverse myelitis. My symptoms are cramps in my legs, hands and part of my face. I have had several MRIs done. The inflammation has gone down a little but in recent weeks my spine and neck have hurt a lot, should I go to the emergency room?
Hello Silvia,
You should review it with the specialist.
Greetings
Hello, my father has been suffering from myelitis for 10 years now and he is already in bed, he no longer walks and he stops, his pain has been very strong, he is 79 years old. The more you will have to suffer with this disease. The treatments are not doing anything and his bones hurt a lot.
Hello Milagros,
We do not know your father's medical history to be able to give you that information. We hope they are helping you cope with those pains in the best way.
Greetings
Hello, good evening, I have been suffering from transverse myelitis for more than a year and a half. Two weeks ago I began to learn to walk again. I still have incontinence, although not severe. I use a walker but I trained in a gym where I went in a chair. wheels to strengthen my legs and I didn't give up, but I'm afraid of relapsing and being in a wheelchair again.
Hello Victor,
The effort you are making is very important and always try to be positive in the rehabilitation process.
Everything indicates that you are going very well in the process.
Greetings!
Hello. In 2023, in June of that year, I was diagnosed with myelitis. My neurologist is still not sure if it is transversal. Because, thank God, I walked again, the left side of my hip and left leg fell asleep. I am taking amiptriline 75 gr. And I still have a hard time bending that leg and the muscles are very tight. I have burning in my right foot and we still don't know what caused it. I want to know if there is anything else I can do to improve. Or some medication or something that makes me feel better. Thank you!.
Hello Juliana.
We need more information to know your clinical profile to give you medical indications and possible treatments.
You can make an appointment at +34 91 005 39 00.
Greetings
Good morning, my daughter was diagnosed with acute transverse myelitis two months ago. I am from Salta capital. These past two weeks have been very bad. Last night my daughter had a very bad episode. She was walking and I managed to catch her fainted, her body was very stiff. This lasted for more than 1 hour, she was shaking and had a bad headache. The truth is, I am desperate.
Hello Caroline,
I am so sorry to hear about what you are experiencing. The symptoms you describe, such as fainting, prolonged body stiffness, tremors, and headache, are very serious and require urgent medical attention. Take your daughter to the emergency room or contact her neurologist immediately. These episodes could be signs of a serious complication of transverse myelitis. Do not wait to seek medical help.
Greetings
Hello, in my case, I had myelitis when I was 19. After recovering, I have less strength and mobility in my left leg than in my right. Today I am 40 years old, I have always played sports with this difficulty. Do you think there is any way to regain strength and mobility completely?
Hello Ivan,
Strength and mobility can be improved with personalized physical therapy, although full recovery may depend on the neurological damage. Consulting with a specialized physical therapist can help you develop an appropriate exercise plan to maximize your physical capacity.
Greetings
Hello Ivan! I had transverse myelitis when I was 14, now I am 32, I have more strength in one leg and more weakness in the other... what kind of sport have you done? Were you able to run again? I couldn't run again... I have a sequel due to that weakness... are you currently taking any medication?
My son developed acute transverse myelitis at age 10. Today, at 11, he still can't move his feet from the ankles, that is, up and down. I don't know if I explained myself well. He can move sideways, but not up and down, and this is the movement we make when taking a step. His knees still have contractures, but they are very slight. I stretch him and make him walk more every day, but I wonder if he will ever play soccer again. He currently has degenerative neurolupus.
Hi sweetie,
Acute transverse myelitis can affect children's mobility, and although each case is unique, recovery depends on several factors, such as the severity of the injury and the treatment followed.
It's extremely positive that you're stretching and helping your son walk, as rehabilitation and physical therapy are key to improving mobility and strengthening muscles. However, since your son also has degenerative neurolupus, it's essential that the therapeutic approach be supervised by a team of specialized physicians, including neurologists and physical therapists, to tailor the exercises and rehabilitation to his specific needs.
As for his ability to play soccer, it's difficult to predict with certainty without a detailed evaluation, but the most important thing is to continue rehabilitation and follow the recommendations of healthcare professionals. Time and dedication to recovery can make a huge difference, and the most important thing is to progress at your own pace.
If you wish, we can schedule a consultation with our team of specialists to evaluate your situation and offer you a more personalized treatment plan.
Greetings.
Hello, my 4 and a half year old daughter started having difficulty walking, urinating and defecating. They did an MRI of her spinal cord and diagnosed her with multifocal transverse myelitis. They did an MRI of her head and also showed lesions in the left frontal area. She received intravenous corticosteroids and immunoglobulins and has almost recovered her mobility. We are waiting for her cerebrospinal fluid results from Spain. I am in Peru.
Bonjour je suis atteinte d'un myélite de Devic depuis 9 mois. Je suis suivie et je suis sous corticoïde thérapie, malgré cela j'ai toujours this sensation d'être enfermée dans un étau des orteils à sous la poitrine (je récupère doucement les sensations)qui rend mon quotidien un enfer. Je souhaiterai savoir si vous aviez des conseilles ou un traitement pour améliorer cela.
Bonjour,
Pour vous donner this information, nous devrions examiner votre cas lors d'une medical consultation. See our contacter to request a rendezvous.
Greetings
Hello,
My mother had surgery 11 months ago for a spinal tumor located in the T4 area. The biopsy of the tumor showed demyelinating disease. At the moment my mother still cannot walk. She has sensitivity in her legs but not in her feet. What could be the next steps to take? She does physical therapy daily.
I am writing from Ecuador.
Greetings,
Hello,
We are sorry to hear about this. It is important for your mother to continue physical therapy and be evaluated regularly by a neurologist or rehabilitation specialist. They might explore options such as occupational therapy, neurostimulation, or customized treatments based on her progress. An in-person evaluation will determine the best approach.
Greetings.
Hello, I'm Jesus, I suffer from transverse myelitis. I've had the disease for almost 5 years. Today I'm all numb, I can move my feet, but I still can't walk. I feel weaker on my entire left side. I used a Foley catheter and since May I have difficulty urinating but I can't go deep and I also struggle to defecate. I take sennosides, gabapentin, prednisone, phenytoin, nitrofurantoin, tamsulocin. I would like to be able to walk. Can someone tell me what I can take to strengthen my legs, please?
Hello Jesus,
We are sorry to hear that you are going through this situation. In order to provide you with the most appropriate treatment, our specialists would need to evaluate your case in detail. If you wish, you can schedule an appointment with our team so they can analyze your situation and find the best treatment for your condition.
Greetings.
Hello, good afternoon. A week ago, my mother started having pain in her upper neck, then it went to her right arm and she has tingling in her right leg. All of this in just one week. She's starting to have a lot of pain. We're from Mexico, and the doctors haven't specified exactly what it is or what caused it.
Hello Caroline,
We are deeply sorry for your mother's situation. In order to provide a proper diagnosis, a complete medical evaluation along with diagnostic studies is essential to accurately identify what is happening. The pain in her neck, arm, and tingling in her leg can be related to a variety of conditions, so it is important for doctors to continue evaluating her case and perform any necessary tests.
We hope you soon find the right diagnosis so you can begin effective treatment. If you ever need more guidance or a second opinion, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Greetings.
I received the COVID-19 shot in February 2021, felt over in parking lot and then 43 days in hospital. I continue doing physical therapy 3 days each week. I. No longer use a wheelchair or. Walker but cannot walk around wo using a cane. My left side is weak. .my therapist does not believe I can have much improvement but if I stop therapy I will go backwards. Is there any help out there for me?
Hello Richard,
I'm very sorry about your situation. Neuromuscular rehabilitation is a process that depends on many factors, and although progress may be slow, continuing therapy is key to preventing setbacks.
In some cases, exploring complementary approaches such as specialized therapies or personalized treatments could be helpful. If you would like a more detailed evaluation of your case, our team can analyze your medical studies and recommend options tailored to your needs. You can schedule an appointment by calling 910 05 39 00.
Hello, good morning. My 78-year-old mother has just been diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica using AQP4. She has lost sight in her eyes, drags her feet, and had shingles a month ago. However, they told me that I need to undergo plasma pheresis. Is there any medication that could help me instead of plasma pheresis because she has heart problems and that treatment is very risky for her.
Hello Paz,
Neuromyelitis optica is a complex disease, and plasmapheresis is one of the treatments used in acute cases, especially when seeking to reduce the effects of inflammation on the nervous system. However, I understand your concerns due to your mother's heart problems.
It's essential that you consult with your mother's medical team, as there are alternatives that could be considered depending on her clinical condition, such as immunosuppressive medications or more specific treatments. The doctor can assess whether plasmapheresis is truly the most appropriate option or if there is another treatment that could reduce the risk to her health.
We recommend that you inform the medical team treating your mother so they can offer you a personalized and safer option based on her medical history. If you'd like a second opinion on your case, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with our team of specialists.
Greetings.
Hello good morning
On May 25, 2025, I was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome.
I started with severe pain in my lower back, numbness in my legs and tingling.
Then I lost the strength in my legs and total movement, my diaphragm contracted and my intestines stopped working, my arms also went numb, they started to tingle and I also lost strength, I couldn't even swallow my saliva, I had facial paralysis, I couldn't understand anything when I spoke and I started having problems with my vision and they took me to intensive care where they gave me immunoglobulin, I received physical therapy, thank God after almost three years I was able to recover my mobility, speech I received fine mobility therapy to be able to write again, but I was left with after-effects
I still have numb and tingling feet.
Sometimes I feel like I have something on my legs or that something is squeezing my feet or that something is walking on them. Sometimes my knees are very cold and the soles of my feet are very hot. When I walk, and I walk without assistance, if I want to do it for a long time, like an hour, my body starts to get clumsy, the tingling is more intense and the heat in my feet is unbearable and it fatigues me. This also causes cramps in my calves, neck, and face. All the time I have a feeling of tightness and tingling in my face, and when I talk or laugh, I make involuntary movements, especially in the area of my eyes.
The doctor told me that I can now return to work and discharged me because I can now move without assistance.
But what I feel, this tiredness and all the symptoms I explained don't allow me to have or achieve even half of the activities that I used to do and I'm talking about the basic ones like cleaning my house without feeling exhausted and tingling and hot in my feet and having to lie down to be able to recover. She thinks that I make up these symptoms and my question is what tests can they do to show that I have these conditions that I'm not making up and I don't want them either.
What other treatment can I take and if it is possible that taking other medications can help me stop feeling what I feel?
For now I only take
Gabapentin
Tramadol with paracetamol
And imipramine for depression
Hello,
What you describe—numbness, tingling, a feeling of pressure in the feet, cramps, and fatigue—are common symptoms during recovery from Guillain-Barré syndrome, as nerve damage can persist long after mobility has been restored. However, it's critical that your doctor conduct a thorough evaluation to rule out other conditions contributing to these symptoms.
We suggest you consider a second opinion from a neurologist specializing in neuromuscular disorders. This professional may perform additional tests, such as nerve conduction studies, electromyography (EMG), or MRIs, to evaluate the condition of your nerves and muscles. These tests can help confirm whether the symptoms you're experiencing are related to Guillain-Barré or if there are any additional complications.
Regarding treatment, it would be a good idea to review your medications with a specialist. Sometimes, medication adjustments are necessary, for example, changing painkillers or adopting a more focused approach to neuromuscular rehabilitation. Physical therapy, combined with occupational therapy, could also be very helpful in regaining strength and function.
Greetings.
God bless you. انا سعد من ليبيا.. تعرضت لأصابة سنة 2023 في النخاع الشوكى بسبب بكتيريا تسببت باالشلل منها ورجعت لى الحركة باالعلاج الطبيعى ولاكن اعانى من مظاعفات الالتهاب في صعوبة في المشى ومشاكل فى عدم التحكم في البول والبنميل باستمرار وصعوبة فى المشى. هل يوجد علاج يساعدني على الشفاء. انا ارغب فى السفر الى اسبانيا للعلاج.
Mr. Saeed Al-Assad
شكرًا لمشاركتك حالتك، ونأسف جدًا لما مررت به. إن المضاعفات التي تظهر بعد إصابة النخاع الشوكي، حتى بعد علاج العدوى، قد تكون معقدة وتحتاج إلى تقييم وعلاج من فريق طبي متعدد التخصصات. صعوبة المشي، التشنجات، ومشاكل التحكم في البول والبراز هي أعراض يمكن علاجها وتحسينها، ولكن التعافي يكون تدريجيًّا ويعتمد على مدى تأثر الأعصاب.
لكي نتمكن من تقديم توصية علاجية مناسبة، يجب أن يقوم فريقنا الطبي بمراجعة حالتك والفحوصات التي أجريتها. وتحديد موعد لاستشارة بالفيديو، ليتمكن فريقنا من مساعدتك بشكل أفضل.
مع أطيب التحيات ونتمنى لك الشفاء العاجل