About CTMA

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.