Myelitis

Name: Myelitis
Creator: Zakaria Jalgaonkar

Myelitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the spinal cord, leading to symptoms like pain, numbness, and weakness in limbs. It can be caused by viral infections, autoimmune disorders, or trauma to the spine.

Show Medications for Myelitis

Zakaria Jalgaonkar
Superintendent Pharmacist & Independent Prescriber

18/05/2026

Updated: 12/06/2026

Key Symptoms of Myelitis Diagnosing Myelitis: Standard Diagnostic Tests

Myelitis: Understanding the Condition

Myelitis is a medical condition that affects the spinal cord, leading to inflammation and damage to the nerve cells. It can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the damage.

Key Symptoms of Myelitis

Pain or numbness in the legs or arms
Weakness or paralysis of the limbs
Bladder or bowel dysfunction
Sensory loss or paresthesia (tingling or prickling sensations)
Fever and headache

Diagnosing Myelitis: Standard Diagnostic Tests

To diagnose myelitis, doctors typically use the following tests:

MRI of the spine (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) to visualize the spinal cord and detect inflammation or damage.
Lumbar puncture and cerebrospinal fluid analysis to examine the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord for signs of infection or inflammation.
Electromyography (EMG) to measure the electrical activity of muscles and assess nerve function.

Note: This information is based on the provided facts and does not include any additional medical knowledge or assumptions.

Treatment of Myelitis

Gold Standard Treatment: Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are the primary treatment for myelitis, particularly in cases caused by inflammation or autoimmune disorders. These medications work by suppressing the immune system's abnormal response and reducing inflammation in the spinal cord. The mechanism of action of corticosteroids involves:

Inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which contribute to tissue damage

Reduction of edema (swelling) in the spinal cord

Modulation of the immune response to prevent further damage

Commonly used corticosteroids for myelitis treatment include prednisone and methylprednisolone.

Alternatives to Corticosteroids

In cases where corticosteroids are ineffective or contraindicated, alternative treatments may be considered. These include:

Immunosuppressive drugs: Medications such as azathioprine and cyclophosphamide can help reduce inflammation and prevent further damage by suppressing the immune system.
Plasmapheresis: This procedure involves removing plasma from the blood to reduce the levels of abnormal antibodies that may be contributing to myelitis. The removed plasma is then replaced with a substitute solution.
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG): IVIG contains antibodies that can help neutralize abnormal immune responses and reduce inflammation in the spinal cord.

These alternative treatments may be used alone or in combination with corticosteroids, depending on the individual patient's needs. Medical Disclaimer The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Treatment of myelitis should only be done under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider.

Causes and Risk Factors of Myelitis

Viral Infections

Myelitis has been associated with viral infections, including:

Enterovirus
Herpesvirus

Autoimmune Disorders

Individuals with autoimmune disorders are at increased risk of developing myelitis. These conditions include:

Multiple sclerosis
Lupus

Trauma to the Spine

Physical trauma to the spine can also contribute to the development of myelitis.

Infections with Certain Bacteria

Myelitis has been linked to infections caused by certain bacteria, including:

E. coli

No information is available regarding a specific pathogen type associated with myelitis in the provided data.