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The Bodford Family Transverse Myelitis Center

Tree formed by two hand reaching up with colorful leaves surroundingThe Bodford Family Transverse Myelitis Center (BFTMC) at UNC provides comprehensive, patient-oriented care for pediatric and adult patients with transverse myelitis. It is one of the few centers in the country dedicated to this rare and complex condition. Through research programs, the Bodford Family Transverse Myelitis Center hopes to find new causes and develop new treatment for patients with transverse myelitis. Learn more about transverse myelitis in this interview with Dr. Irena Dujmovic Basuroski.

Support Groups

The Bodford Family Transverse Myelitis Center provides online support for individuals and education groups.

Services
  • Treatments for acute attacks of transverse myelitis (inpatient or out-patient, depending on the severity of the condition): I.V. steroids, plasma exchange, intravenous immunoglobulins, and some other immunotherapies
  • Maintenance immunotherapies
  • Multimodal symptomatic treatment for specific symptoms
  • Multimodal neuro-rehabilitation programs: physical therapy including pelvic health, occupational therapy,
    cognitive and speech rehabilitation if needed, functional electrical stimulation, and neuroprosthetics
Approach to Care
  • Our team develops personalized treatment strategies through a shared decision-making model that actively engages patients, including pharmacological therapies and personalized comprehensive neuro-rehabilitation programs.
  • A specialized clinical pharmacist assists in medication management.
  • Skilled nursing personnel support inpatient and outpatient care, and provides individualized care coordination.
  • A licensed clinical social worker provides psychosocial support to our patients and their care-partners.
Mission and Vision

The Bodford Family Transverse Myelitis Center was established in the fall of 2019. In addition to our mission of providing exceptional comprehensive and individualized care for pediatric and adult patients with transverse myelitis (TM) of all causes and at all disease stages, our vision for the future is to:

  • Conduct research and contribute to the development of new treatments including opportunities to participate in clinical research projects;
  • Offer patient and caregiver educational programs and materials; and
  • Serve as an educational center for healthcare providers in the field.

Clinical trials and educational programs will be announced.