Once they start, the symptoms of transverse myelitis can get worse within hours. In most cases, however, the symptoms hit their peak within 10 days. At that point, about half the people who get transverse myelitis lose control of their legs. Most have some numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation in their back, belly, arms, or legs. Almost all lose some bladder control.
How much of your body is affected depends on which part of your spinal cord has the problem. The higher it is, the more your body will be affected.