Physiotherapy management of acute transverse myelitis in a pediatric patient in a Nigerian hospital: a case report

BACKGROUND: Transverse myelitis is a rare neurological disorder of the spinal cord, caused by inflammation and damage of the myelin sheath of the neurons of the spinal cord across one or more spinal segments. This causes a disruption in the passage of nervous signals leading to motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction. This affects the physical and psychological health, as well as the functional status of the patient. This case report presents the physiotherapy evaluation and management of acute transverse myelitis in a pediatric patient. CASE PRESENTATION: A 17-year-old Nigerian male diagnosed with acute transverse myelitis was referred to the physiotherapy team for expert management. The patient presented with severe muscle spasms and frequent jerking movements, shocking sensations, hypertonicity, and spasticity (modified Ashworth scale: 1+ on the right, > 2 on the right), and muscle strength of the lower limbs (Oxford muscle grading: 3/5 on the left, 1/5 on the left) with impaired functional status (Functional Independence Measure: 70/126).The patient tolerated and participated in the physiotherapy interventions (cryotherapy, soft tissue mobilization, splinting) and exercises (free active, resistance and functional exercises) in the ward and outpatient clinic, as well as subsequent home programmes (free active, resistance and functional exercises). The patient also received other medical and pharmacological interventions in the ward. After 23 days of therapy, the patient improved in all clinical outcomes, including muscle spasm and hypertonicity, spasticity (modified Ashworth scale: 0 bilaterally), sensation, and muscle strength (Oxford muscle grading: 5/5 bilaterally). The patient’s overall functional status also improved (Functional Independence Measure: 117/126). CONCLUSIONS: Physiotherapy improved the symptoms of acute transverse myelitis in this patient. Randomized controlled trials are required to replicate these findings.