Transverse Myelitis: Physiotherapy Assessment and Rehabilitative Interventions – A Review of Literature

Abstract

Objective: Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) is a rare inflammatory demyelinating disorder characterized by relatively acute onset of motor, sensory and autonomic dysfunction. Children comprise 20% of total cases of ATM. In this review, we described the current literature on ATM, focusing on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, approach to diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment and outcome in the affected population.

Materials & Methods: We searched the related articles in electronic databases such as Scopus, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Springer and PubMed. All study designs were included.

Results: The related data focusing on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnostic approach and differential diagnosis, treatment and outcome of ATM were gathered and described.

Conclusion: The study concluded that no standard protocol for physiotherapy assessment and management is identified. The exercise program needs to incorporate task based functional training and recent advances such as Robotic therapy and Virtual Reality.

Keywords: Acute transverse myelitis, Transverse Myelitis, Transverse myelopathy, Acquired demyelinating syndromes, Myelitis, Physiotherapy in ATM.