Who treats transverse myelitis?

Transverse myelitis is a rare neurological disorder that causes inflammation in the spinal cord. While this condition can be debilitating, with the right treatment, most people recover some or all of their lost function. So, who should you see if you suspect that you have transverse myelitis? Let’s find out!

First Contact: Your Primary Care Physician

Your primary care physician (PCP) will likely be your first stop on the road to recovery. They can help diagnose your symptoms and refer you to a specialist if needed. However, don’t expect them to know everything about TM – it is a rare disease after all! Many PCPs are unfamiliar with this particular affliction and may not even recognize its symptoms.

Pro tip: If your doctor doesn’t give clear responses or seems unsure what they’re doing find another one!

Diagnosis Delayed: Your Neurologist

If your PCP suspects that you have transverse myelitis based on initial evaluations and certain tests (such as an MRI), they will probably refer you to a neurologist next (Hooray! Decent progress!).

A neurologist specializes in treating disorders related to the brain and nervous system (or so we hope!). Unlike many primary care doctors, most neurologists will at least have heard of transverse myelitis before; though some might prefer patients not knowing much about their medical history- what do I mean?

Now while there’s no cure for TM yet boohoo, early intervention—often involving aggressive treatment with steroids such as methylprednisolone–is associated with better long-term outcomes in terms of disability. It’s possible further medication like Plasmapheresis (also known as PLEX) may also prove integral during recovery from acute relapses contributing to complete healing.

Pro tip: Opt for a neurologist who specializes in treating spinal cord disorders. Don’t settle for anything less!

A Teammate in Recovery – Physiatrist

You might hear about this experience first during your hospital stay, but after discharge you’ll need to have an idea of the importance they play too. Your physiatrist is there to help you get back on track with body functions like gross motor movement and self-care such as eating or dressing oneself.

Physiatrists typically focus on rehabilitation medicine aimed at enhancing function & QoL following traumatic impairment, progressive disease, congenital conditions etc.What makes them great treatment partners? They are highly trained medical professionals whose practice make extensive use of physical exercises/therapy techniques or occasionally medications where appropriate (such as baclofen) amongst many other possible therapies supportive towards building up recovery rates from certain disabilities and diseases.

They will likely be part of your care team if you require in-patient therapy or outpatient visits; focusing primarily on ensuring that while TM may leave permanent deficits elsewhere physically, their patients would thrive emotionally by being able achieve greater independence compared to before!

Pro-tip: Make sure that the physiatrist who sees you specializes specifically in managing patients with neurological problems. You wouldn’t see a dentist for ear surgery right?

Rehabilitation — Physical Therapist

Physical therapy (PT) is one avenue for efficient recovery as recommended by World Health Organization (WHO), American Academy of Neurology (AAN)  & National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke(NINDS). Albeit that could take months / maybe years;

It can involve working with specialized therapists depending on what functions were affected most through injury symptoms- “paraparesis” affecting lower limbs mainly、“quadriparesis” related reports alarming changes throughout both arms and legs so forth .Accordingly,TM can impact quite widely throughout multiple ways which means no two cases could be identical.

Physical therapists work on fine – as well as gross motor skills along with balance exercises, for example walking, sit-ups or transfers in clinics/hospitals/post-acute facilities. In other words, PT uses physical means to help you regain mobility after trauma or illness. After injuries such as TM that cause paralysis of the lower extremities Physical therapy may use gait training equipment which will range from parallel bars to body weight supported harnesses strapped around subjects’ shoulders helping them walk better without risking falls; Remember what Darwin said,”Adaptability and flexibility make one a survivor”.

Pro tip: Find a physical therapist who has experience dealing with TM patients—it is essential when it comes to maximizing recovery!

Speech-Language Pathologist

Despite its name this specialist does more than teach people how to talk properly (‘It’s not only Eliza Doolittle we’re talking about here’). Your Speech-language pathologist (SLP) can help if you have issues related speech & swallowing difficulties and might even train you how communicate using cutting edge technology designed for persons suffering communication disorders including augmentative/alternate communication devices.

Since Transverse myelitis often afflicts the throat muscles some patients may develop symptoms like spasticity,dysarthria/dysphagia effectively interfering with eating food or drinks. These Dysregulations commonly occur throughout many cases presenting significant challenges during routine meal times.Taking assistive tech into consideration those affected by these particular symptoms provide some relief whilst improving chances of full recovery down the line!

Pro tip: Look for an SLP with experience in treating those suffering from neurological conditions—communication impairments are common among transverse myelitis patients!

Ophthalmologists

Osteintroduce yourselffing upon admission…

Okay perhaps it won’t be your first contact but everyone benefits from keeping their eyes pealed for early warning signs/symptoms relating optic nerves/optic tracts. When progressive changes in vision function detection becomes crucial,as it poses a significant risk for developing grave complications if confused with other diseases.

Optic neuritis (or swelling of the optic nerve) is often associated alongside TM to produce blurry/double vision which tends occur within an acute phase; It’s common for many afflicted by this condition to see impressions left like flashes or sparkles when fixed on objects appearing non moving – not as lovely an image as one painted! This particular medical manifestation could ideally only affect 1 out of every 4 TM Patients.Ophthalmologists can provide optimal diagnosis and care providing space through routine testing likely indicating whether there’s any inflammation outside of tissue surrounding eyes helping lead prompt cessation towards total blindness

Pro-tip: Seek out an Ophthalmologist who has worked with neurological patients before. You don’t want them mistaking your eyesight problemfor astigmatism!

Wrapping Up—And Some Advice

Recovering from transverse myelitis isn’t easy, but it is possible.ADVICE COMING:

  • Be patient!!!!!!!!! Yes I had to put this somewhere.
  • Make sure that you are working with experts who have experience treating transverse myelitis.
  • Stay active as much as humanely reasonable & keep engaging yourself in physical exercises/activities carefully monitored across duration prescribed during various interval programs!

Remember even though obtaining treatment might seem daunting at first glance it’s ultimately going to help improve overall outcome potential post-recovery stages especially after thorough understandings from above headings regarding body functions were affected most initially upon symptom onset.So be kind & keep searching until you find the right team who can help!
Good luck!!!

Random Posts