Dual spinal cord injury: a case of acute traumatic T9 AIS A spinal cord injury complicated by transverse myelitis.

INTRODUCTION

While the general principles of treatment of TM are agreed upon, the rarity of the disease has made determining its clinical course and etiology quite difficult. This report aims to inform these debates by demonstrating the susceptibility of at least one individual to transverse myelitis following an acute SCI.

CASE PRESENTATION: This case report follows the clinical course of a 17 year old. Caucasian female that contracted transverse myelitis (TM) following an acute traumatic spinal cord injury. This patient originally presented as a T9 AIS A traumatic SCI, and was then re-graded as C6 AIS A SCI following diagnosis of TM. She was later seen in clinic for 6-month follow-up and displayed post-trauma baseline scores for both strength and sensation, indicating nearly complete recovery.

DISCUSSION: In addition, this report demonstrates the importance of adequate clinical management of TM in practical terms of patient performance on clinical exams. This report also adds to the existing body of evidence suggesting early intervention is associated with better functional outcomes.