What is idiopathic transverse myelitis, the neurological condition Helen Haines’ alleged attacker has?

The man alleged to have attacked independent MP Helen Haines’ on Monday, Brendan Nugent, appeared in court today.

He was charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, the federal offence of causing harm to a Commonwealth public official, as well as cultivating and processing cannabis.

Helen Haines has lost both legs , her husband Phil Haines announced on Wednesday afternoon.

She is in a stable condition in hospital.

According to Nugent’s lawyer , Chirag Patel, his client had a concussion and experienced the neurological condition idiopathic transverse myelitis, which Patel said affected his mental health, adding he was not currently medicated.

So what exactly is this condition? Here’s what you need to know.

It’s caused by inflammation Transverse myelitis is a neurological condition caused by inflammation of the spinal cord.

Inflammation damages the fatty coating around nerves called the myelin sheath, which acts as an insulator and helps messages get around the brain and the body quickly.

This damage can change the way the body and brain communicate.

Depending on where the inflammation is in the spinal cord, it can also cause weakness or numbness, paralysis or even problems controlling the bladder or bowel.

The name “ transverse myelitis ” comes from the tight band-like feeling people may have “transversely”, or across their torso, with “myelitis” meaning inflammation of the myelin sheath.

What causes it? Transverse myelitis can occur after an infection, or as part of or alongside other autoimmune conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or lupus.

In very rare cases , there may be vaccine-related causes, but the evidence doesn’t show a clear link between cause and effect.

Most cases of transverse myelitis are considered “ idiopathic ” which means no cause is found.