Transverse Myelitis is a rare neurological disorder that is part of a spectrum of neuroimmunologic diseases of the central nervous system. Other disorders in this spectrum include, Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM), Optic Neuritis, and Neuromyelitis Optica (Devic's disease). The membership of The Transverse Myelitis Association includes persons with all of these disorders, their family members and caregivers and the medical professionals who treat people with these disorders.

The Transverse Myelitis Association was established in 1994 as an organization dedicated to advocacy for those who have these rare neuroimmunologic diseases. It was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in 1996.

Mission

The Transverse Myelitis Association facilitates support and networking opportunities amongst families; provides educational information; functions as a clearinghouse for articles and research literature; and investigates, advocates for and supports research and innovative treatment efforts.

Programs

The TMA publishes a newsletter for our members twice a year, which contains articles by physicians and health care providers. There are also articles written by people with the rare neuroimmunologic disorders. A membership directory is published and distributed annually. The TMA assists in the development of local support groups and is involved in various fund-raising efforts, such as Reading for Rachel, to raise awareness and funds for research. The TMA supports and conducts various symposiums and workshops involving both professionals and patients for the exchange of information regarding research and treatment strategies for persons with the rare neuroimmunologic disorders of the central nervous system.