Three months ago, UK woman Helen Finchman woke up with aneck ache.
She just assumed she’dsleptin an uncomfortable position and went about her morning as she normally would.
But as the day went on, the 21-year-oldreportedlygrew unable to feel her legs or arms.
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By the end of the day, Finchman wasparalyzed.
As it turns out, her sleep wasn’t the root of her neck pain, after all.
The ache was a symptom of transverse myelitis, an extremely rare neurological condition involving spinal cord inflammation.
Transverse myelitisis a rare inflammatory disease, affectingnearly 1,400 Americanseach year.
(For some perspective, thats about 0.0004 percent of the U.S. adult population.)
Other times, it appears without warning.
In Finchman’s case, the symptoms presented rapidly, only taking one day to escalate to paralysis.
“When I realized I could no longer feel my legs I was horrified,” Finchman toldMetro.
Though Finchman’s story is terrifying, experts say transverse myelitis is rare.
“People shouldn’t get too panicky about this,” Rabinovici says.
Neck pain happens, and most of the time it’s not indicative of a greater problem.
So when should you get worried?
In some instances, transverse myelitis will lead to anotherautoimmune disease, likemultiple sclerosisorlupus, according to Balabanov.
While patients are being treated, they need to be tested for other possible chronic diseases, he says.
The patients should also be monitored for new symptoms every 3 to 6 months.
“Most patients recover completely,” Rabinovici says.
The possibility of a full recovery is more likely with a swift diagnosis and regular treatment, Balabanov says.
“Life with transverse myelitis varies tremendously,” Rabinovici says.
If not, the condition can be treated with steroids to limit inflammation and restore bodily function.
Three months have passed since Finchman became paralyzed, and she can nowreportedlyfeel some sensation when touched.
She also has limited movement in her hands.
We wish Finchman a steady and full recovery.
If interested, you’re able to donatehere.
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Also:Implant Restores Touch to Paralyzed Man (The Weather Channel)
