Acute Transverse Myelitis

Question 1

ATM is an ____________ response following exposure to virus or bacteria.

Answer 1

autoimmune response

Question 2

What is damaged in the case of ATM?

Answer 2

Myelin

Question 3

4 classic signs of ATM:

Answer 3

UE/LE weakness
Pain
Sensory alterations
Bowel and bladder problems

Question 4

Motor sign of ATM:

Answer 4

Weakness in all extremities or LE only.

Question 5

Sensory sign of ATM:

Answer 5

Sensory abnormalities below a specific spinal level.

Question 6

Autonomic sign of ATM:

Answer 6

Early bowel and bladder dysfunction.

Question 7

Spinal MRI sign of ATM:

Answer 7

Spinal cord inflammation identified.

Question 8

Two ways to diagnose ATM:

Answer 8

MRI/CT (obstructions, blockages)
Blood tests (for lupus, HIV, vit def.)

Question 9

Recovery typically begins in __-__ weeks.

Answer 9

2-12

Question 10

With rapid onset of ATM, the prognosis is BETTER/WORSE.

Answer 10

Worse. Poor.

Question 11

If there is no improvement within __-__ months, complete recovery is unlikely.

Answer 11

3-6 months

Question 12

At __ years, recovery is typically maximised.

Answer 12

2 years.

Question 13

Medical management of ATM (5).

Answer 13

NSAIDS
Antidepressants
Muscle relaxants
Anticonvulsants
Intravenous glucocorticoids

Question 14

Therapeutic management of ATM (6):

Answer 14

Strength
Endurance
Coordination
Spasticity Mgt
Assistive devices/bracing
Prevention of sec. impairments

Question 15

Motor characteristics of ATM:

Answer 15

Weakness in all extremities or LE only.

Question 16

Sensory characteristics of ATM:

Answer 16

Sensory abnormalities below a specific spinal level.

Question 17

Autonomic characteristics of ATM:

Answer 17

Early bowel and bladder dysfunction.

Question 18

Spinal cord characteristics of ATM:

Answer 18

Inflammation