I am generally affected on my right side but have had symptoms on both. My right hand/arm has been numb since October 2007. I am doubting that it's going to get any better. My Neuro told me that if it lasts longer than 6 months it's usually permanent. Does this sound right? It took my double vision about 4 months to correct itself. I was told, too, that symptoms will usually show up on the same side of the body but I've had them on both my right and left sides - although not at the same time.