Johns Hopkins Myelitis and Myelopathy Center

The Johns Hopkins Myelitis and Myelopathy Center, formerly the Transverse Myelitis Center, was the first center in the U.S. and the world dedicated to the diagnosis, management and research of transverse myelitis. We have since expanded our focus to cover the full spectrum of myelitis and myelopathy disorders. Our goal is to help patients maximize treatment, recovery and daily function, as we conduct research to gain better understanding into these debilitating diseases.

Our Team

Our team of neurologists, rehabilitation specialists, neurosurgeons, neuro-ophthalmologists, therapists and other scientists work together to provide comprehensive evaluation and care for patients with several diseases of the spinal cord.

Conditions We Treat

By partnering with physicians throughout Johns Hopkins Medicine, we provide a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and symptom management for:
  • Transverse myelitis (idiopathic, metabolic, infectious, and post-infectious)
  • Acute flaccid myelitis
  • Compressive and spondylotic myelopathies
  • Encephalomyelitis
  • Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody associated disease (MOGAD)
  • Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD)
  • Spinal cord strokes
  • Vascular myelopathies

Myelitis and Myelopathy Patient Day

People who have myelitis- or myelopathy-related conditions and their families are invited to attend the 2024 Johns Hopkins Myelitis and Myelopathy Center Patient Day. It is organized in collaboration with the International Center for Spinal Cord Injury at Kennedy Krieger Institute and supported by the Bart McLean Fund for Neuroimmunology Research and the Siegel Rare Neuroimmune Association (SRNA). The event is free and is held in person at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Attendees are not limited to Johns Hopkins patients.

Expert Care for Patients with Myelopathies

The Johns Hopkins Myelitis and Myelopathy Center is committed to connecting those who need treatment with those who provide it.

Neurologic Care for Newly Diagnosed

We help newly diagnosed patients who are going though an acute phase of the disease and need expert neurological care. Our team will also work with you to create a plan for long-term symptoms management.

Multi-Specialty Symptom Management

We also help people who have lived with myelopathy for some time and are looking to better manage symptoms and improve quality of life. We will connect you with Johns Hopkins experts in rehabilitation, pain medicine and other fields and will help you build a custom care plan.

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Appointment Information

In case of an emergency, please contact 911 and/or go to the nearest hospital. Otherwise, please use the following information to schedule an appointment with or refer a patient to the Johns Hopkins Myelitis and Myelopathy Center.

When you call 410-614-1522 to request an appointment at our center, our call center staff will ask you a few questions and will request you to send relevant medical records. Please have the following information ready before you call:

  • Notes from emergency department and/or hospital admission concerning your neurological diagnosis.
  • Clinic notes from neurological assessments.
  • Laboratory results including blood work and cerebrospinal fluid results.
  • Images of MRI studies of the brain and spine, angiograms. You can upload the digital images to AMBRA.
  • Any other significant clinical documents concerning your diagnosis.
  • Contact information, including cellphone, home phone and e-mail.
  • Front and back of your insurance card.

If you do not have a confirmed diagnosis of myelopathy, you will be referred for an evaluation with a general neurologist outside of our center. If your myelopathy diagnosis is confirmed, we will see you in our clinic.


2022 Research Update: Multiple Sclerosis, Myelitis and Myelopathies and Neuromyelitis Optica

Our center conducts numerous research studies on myelopathies, looking to improve diagnosis and treatment. Drs. Carlos Pardo, Ellen Mowry, Peter Calabresi and Shiv Saidha offer an overview of what’s new in clinical research related to transverse myelitis, multiple sclerosis and other myelopathies, including the effects of COVID-19 on people who have these conditions.

View our published research

Our Research Publications