Following is a list of causes or underlying conditions (see also Misdiagnosis of underlying causes of Transverse myelitis) that could possibly cause Transverse myelitis includes:
To research the causes of Transverse myelitis, consider researching the causes of these these diseases that may be similar, or associated with Transverse myelitis:
Causes of Broader Categories of Transverse myelitis: Review the causal information about the various more general categories of medical conditions:
Other conditions that might have Transverse myelitis as a complication may, potentially, be an underlying cause of Transverse myelitis. Our database lists the following as having Transverse myelitis as a complication of that condition:
Conditions listing Transverse myelitis as a symptom may also be potential underlying causes of Transverse myelitis. Our database lists the following as having Transverse myelitis as a symptom of that condition:
Causes: Transverse myelitis:
Transverse myelitis may be caused by viral infections, spinal cord
injuries, immune reactions, or insufficient blood flow through the blood
vessels in the spinal cord. It may also occur as a complication of such
disorders as optic neuromyelitis, multiple sclerosis, smallpox, measles,
or chickenpox.
(Source: excerpt from NINDS Transverse Myelitis Information Page: NINDS)
The following medical news items are relevant to causes of Transverse myelitis:
As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Transverse myelitis may be found in:
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the causes of Transverse myelitis.
Acute transverse myelitis has a variety of causes. It commonly follows acute infectious diseases, such as measles or pneumonia (the inflammation occurs after the infection has subsided), and primary infections of the spinal cord itself, such as syphilis or acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. Acute transverse myelitis can accompany demyelinating diseases, such as acute multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory and necrotizing disorders of the spinal cord such as hematomyelia.
Certain toxic agents (carbon monoxide, lead, and arsenic) can cause a type of myelitis in which acute inflammation (followed by hemorrhage and possible necrosis) destroys the entire circumference (myelin, axis cylinders, and neurons) of the spinal cord. Other forms of myelitis may result from poliovirus, herpes zoster, herpesvirus B, or rabies virus; disorders that cause meningeal inflammation, such as syphilis, abscesses and other suppurative conditions, and tuberculosis; smallpox or polio vaccination; parasitic and fungal infections; and chronic adhesive arachnoiditis.
Peak incidence occurs between ages 10 and 19, then again between ages 30 and 39. Approximately 1,400 new cases are diagnosed each year in the United States. About 33,000 Americans have some type of disability from this disorder.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Acute transverse myelitis has various causes. It commonly follows acute infectious diseases, such as measles or pneumonia (the inflammation occurs after the infection has subsided), and primary infections of the spinal cord itself, such as syphilis or acute disseminated encephalomyelitis.
Acute transverse myelitis can accompany demyelinating diseases, such as acute multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory and necrotizing disorders of the spinal cord, such as hematomyelia.
Certain toxic agents (carbon monoxide, lead, and arsenic) can cause a type of myelitis in which acute inflammation (followed by hemorrhage and possible necrosis) destroys the entire circumference (myelin, axis cylinders, and neurons) of the spinal cord.
Other forms of myelitis may result from poliovirus, herpes zoster, herpesvirus B, or rabies virus; disorders that cause meningeal inflammation, such as syphilis, abscesses and other suppurative conditions, and tuberculosis; smallpox or polio vaccination; parasitic and fungal infections; and chronic adhesive arachnoiditis.
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
A presumed autoimmune-mediated inflammation and demyelination of the spinal cord. Postinfectious etiology predominates in children.
Source: The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult, 2008
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