Transverse myelitis is a spinal condition that causes common symptoms such as difficulty urinating.

Transverse myelitis Awareness Day is today. Here’s everything you need to know about the rare spinal cord condition, including common symptoms and causes.

Every year on June 9, Transverse Myelitis Awareness Day is observed to raise awareness about the rare condition caused by spinal cord inflammation.

The disorder, which has no known cure, affects motor and sensory parts on both sides of the spinal cord, causing neurological symptoms that affect various functions and parts of our bodies.

The condition affects people of all ages, from infants to the elderly. It has nothing to do with genetics, gender, or race.

Here’s everything you need to know about transverse myelitis (TM), including common symptoms and causes.

Transverse myelitis has four distinct symptoms:

Pain – Transverse myelitis may begin as a sharp pain in your lower back, shooting down your legs or arms, or wrapping around your chest or abdomen. The location of your pain symptoms will vary depending on which part of your spinal cord has been affected.

Weakness in the arms or legs – Some TM patients experience heaviness in one or both legs. They may experience stumbling or dragging one foot. Certain people may experience problems with hand-eye coordination or arm strength. In some cases, people may experience severe weakness or fatigue.

Some people with TM report abnormal sensations such as numbness, tingling, coldness, or burning. Some are even sensitive to clothing touch, as well as extreme heat or cold. You may also have the sensation that something is tightly wrapping around the skin on your chest, abdomen, or legs.

Bladder and bowel issues include frequent urination, urinary incontinence, difficulty urinating, and constipation.