Transverse Myelitis is a rare neurological disorder caused by
inflammation across both sides of one level, or segment, of the spinal
cord. The term myelitis refers to inflammation of the spinal cord; transverse simply
describes the position of the inflammation, that is, across the width
of the spinal cord. Attacks of inflammation can damage or destroy myelin,
the fatty insulating substance that covers nerve cell fibers. This
damage causes nervous system scars that interrupt communications between
the nerves in the spinal cord and the rest of the body.
Transverse Myelitis is one of several neuroimmunologic diseases of
the central nervous system that includes: Acute Disseminated
Encephalomyelitis (ADEM), Optic Neuritis, and Neuromyelitis Optica
(Devic’s disease). The membership of The Canadian Transverse Myelitis
Association will include people with all of these disorders, their
family members and caregivers and the medical professionals who treat
people with these disorders.
Our History
The Canadian Transverse Myelitis Association (CTMA) was incorporated on
July 12, 2010 as an organization dedicated to advocate and support those
who have these rare neuroimmunologic diseases. February 2011, the CTMA
received the approval for its charitable status from the Federal
Government.
Our Mission Statement
The CTMA was created to support and create a networking infrastructure
for patients and their families; to provide relevant information about
the latest findings in research and treatments; and promote public
awareness of the rare neuroimmunologic disorders of the central nervous
system.
The CTMA will assist transverse myelitis patients and their
families by establishing nationwide support groups and by providing
telephone and email services where users can access health information
and receive the emotional support they may require. In addition to
establishing nation wide support groups, The Canadian Transverse
Myelitis Association will organize symposium and/or workshops for transverse myelitis patients
and their families, as well as physicians, nurses and care givers, in
order to provide the latest information available on treatments,
diagnosis, therapies, and emotional support. The CTMA will provide
educational material to Transverse Myelitis patients and their families
as well as physicians, nurses and care givers.
Our Current Programs
The CTMA will assist in the development of local support groups across
Canada and is involved in various fund-raising efforts to raise public
awareness, and keep its members informed on the latest news. The CTMA
organizes healthy living seminars for those with Transverse Myelitis to
provide tools that they can use to live with their Transverse Myelitis
diagnosis.
The CTMA will provide its members, information on the latest
scientific findings, as well as other resources for those with
neuroimmunologic disorders. The CTMA is creating a database of health
care resources for those with neurommunological disorders.
We are very pleased that you have found the CTMA and we look forward
in helping you along your journey with TM or any other neuroimmunologic
disease you may be diagnosed with.