I have mostly spinal lesions (vs. brain), or at least I did the last time they looked. I don't go for regular MRI's, and haven't had one since 2003 . . . cause I know I have MS already.

If you do have spinal lesions, they don't appear to be causing you too much grief yet. They can reek SUCH havoc that the hug actually seems like a nice thing.

I wouldn't be too concerned unless other significant symptoms happen.

Cherie

I too have mostly spinal (cervical mostly) leisons. I have constant pain in my neck/shoulder blades, and dare I be active it tightens so painfully. I find a heating pad eases it and stretching helps too. I usually ignore it until it's unbearable. My bad, but I hate giving in to the MonSter.

Feel better Soon.

Massages, by someone who is very experienced with MS, can help considerably.

Cherie

I recently did a little more reading on the banding, or "MS hug" effect and learned that it is caused by tiny muscles in the ribcage spasming.

It's possible that adding Neurontin or Baclofen to your meds would not only alleviate the "hug" and throat issue, but help with your leg too.

I've considered meds for the pain..But have been trying to avoid them as long as possible since they tend to make me oh so sleepy (which I am most of the time anyway)..May still have to go that route, though. And the massage thing sounds good to me..Thanks MzB and Lady Express..MSAcorn, I hope you're feeling well, too. Thanks for sharing! As much as I hate to see anyone in pain, it's nice to know we're not alone..

Now, I'm still waiting for Jen! How are you feeling today, and please explain the "esophogus" thing you're experiencing..I'm really curious if it's the same or similar..

What do spinal lesions generally relate to? Are they are symtom of MS? or symtoms of MS developing?

Hello Nancee and welcome to NeuroTalk.

Spinal lesions as well as brain lesions represent damage to the Central Nervous System (CNS)...in MS. There can be other causes for lesions even in the spine.

Not sure I answered your questions, if not please feel free to ask more.

Here is some information you might find helpful:
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/342409-overview

Search the net for "Dermatomes". Chart will show 1000 words more then I can type Then get your MRI on cd and play find the lesions. I had one around c4 that faded thank god because Christopher Reeves injury was probably just slightly above it.

Hi,

I was diagnosed with TM 4 years ago. I've been perscribed neuro drugs like lyrica and amatriplyne, neither did anything but make me so tired that i was boarder line sleeping behind the wheel.

I've taken myself off the drugs and have been living this way for more than a year. The only relief i've been able to find between the constant spasms and RLS is to take high doses of motrin / ibprofin (usually between 1200 - 1800mg). I'm aware that this is probally not good, but it beats getting addicted to the mutiple amount of painkillers i've been pushed. I have countless perscriptions for t3's, oxycodone...etc.. I refuse to become drug dependant.

I've managed to get on the wait list for the MS reasearch clinic at UBC hospital and my appointment is next week, it's been a long journey to get this far which included firing 3 neurologists because in thier opinion "you'll just get better" when clearily due to severity of symptoms and frequancy i was not.

I've been doing alot of research into TM and MS prepairing for my day long list of appointments and I've noticed something. TM develops quickily over a period of hours or a week, is this what happens in every case?

I ask because I want to prepair myself for what's ahead. My symptoms started in December and got increasing worse over a period of 9 months tapering off in september. another thing that baffles me is that my symptoms do not affect my legs at all just everything from the waist up.

should I be worried?

Just so you are aware, the original poster asked this question in 2008 and it was talked about a bit. The post was revived in 2010 for a few comments.

AllyBear you may be better off starting a new topic of your own so that you can receive responses tailored to your situation. We have had several folks come and go since that original posting. I hope you get the answers you seek. I dont know much about TM except I hear that it comes on very fast and after some time leaves just as quickly. That it can be more devestating than MS, and carries alot of similar traits, but acts differently too.

Hang in there.