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The Bodford Family Transverse Myelitis Center

The 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.

About
Referral & Appointments
Location

Support Groups

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

About

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.

Approach to Care

Our team works closely with patients to create personalized treatment plans that include both medications and customized neuro-rehabilitation programs. A clinical pharmacist helps manage medications, while experienced nurses support care in both hospital and outpatient settings and help coordinate each patient’s care. A licensed clinical social worker also provides emotional and practical support to patients and their care partners.

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

Referral & Appointments

Patients should ask their provider to refer them directly to the Bodford Family Transverse Myelitis Center.

  • Providers who have access to UNC CareLink can submit a referral online. If you would like to enroll, click on the link and select “Request an Account.” You may wish to download an overview of the referral portal or view a step-by-step guide on how to sign up.
  • If you don’t have a UNC CareLink account, please fax a completed Adult Clinic Referral Form, including a specific referral question and records to (919) 590-6776. 
  • Epic: Enter an ambulatory referral to Neurology, capture into the comments “Bodford Family Transverse Myelitis Center.” Once received, our referral coordinators will schedule an appointment.
  • You can call (984) 215-5624 for assistance with any questions or concerns.

For more information on the referral process, please visit the Referring Provider Resources page.

Referring Provider Resources

Clinic Location