Mumbai, Mar 31 : A young Mumbai-based professional dancer in her 20s who suddenly began walking with stiff, “robotic” movements after a recent viral illness has made a full recovery following timely treatment for Acute Transverse Myelitis (ATM) at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai. The condition was diagnosed and treated by Dr Sheetal Goyal, Consultant Neurologist, even though her initial scans were normal.
The dancer reported having a running nose and cough 10–15 days prior to the onset of symptoms. Two days before seeking neurological consultation, she developed severe tightness in her legs and difficulty walking. She described feeling as though her legs had suddenly become rigid and heavy. She also experienced significant back pain before the walking difficulty began.
“When I asked her to walk, her gait was extremely stiff, almost robotic. She had no urinary complaints, but her leg tightness and slowed movements were concerning,” said Dr Sheetal Goyal, Consultant Neurologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai.
She had earlier consulted an orthopaedist and underwent Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), which did not reveal any abnormalities. Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) tests and brain imaging were also normal. Despite this, Dr Goyal clinically suspected Acute Transverse Myelitis, a rare inflammatory condition of the spinal cord that can occur after viral infections when the immune system mistakenly attacks spinal cord tissue.
“Acute Transverse Myelitis can sometimes be MRI-negative in its early stages. Investigations are supportive, but they cannot replace clinical evaluation. Her examination findings strongly suggested spinal cord inflammation,” Dr Goyal explained.
Given the rapid progression and her young age, treatment was initiated based on clinical judgment. She was started on high-dose intravenous steroids. Within five days, her walking began to improve. By day 10, after receiving immunoglobulin therapy, her recovery became even more pronounced.
“By the time she was discharged on the tenth day, she was walking normally. Her stiffness had reduced significantly, her speed returned, and she was even able to attempt dancing again,” said Dr Goyal from Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai.
Acute Transverse Myelitis can progress over hours to days and may lead to weakness, sensory disturbances, bowel or bladder dysfunction, and in severe cases, paralysis. Early treatment significantly improves outcomes and helps prevent long-term disability.
The young dancer has since regained full mobility and is planning to resume her professional and personal activities, including an upcoming international trip with friends.
Dr Goyal emphasised the broader message from the case:
“MRI and other tests are valuable tools, but they are meant to support — not replace — clinical judgment. Early recognition and prompt treatment in suspected Acute Transverse Myelitis can prevent long-term disability.”
The case highlights how timely neurological intervention at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai helped reverse potentially disabling spinal cord inflammation allowing a young dancer to return not only to walking, but to doing what she loves most.
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