Well, I guess that wouldn't be a typical "acute" Transverse Myelitis attack, as they often come on very quickly (both sides within a week or two). However, it does seem clear that your spinal lesions are causing this, which is exactly how MS made unveiled itself with me too.

There are very few conditions that present with spinal lesions, and it's highly likely they are on the right track with a MS dx. If they can find lesions in your brain too, it will be a slam-dunk . . . but for now they are looking for dissemination in space (neurological damage in two areas of the CNS) to confirm MS. They would be trying to take Devic's disease off the table too, which is like MS but mostly only affects the spinal and optical nerves.

Spinal lesion attacks are wicked, especially if they come on very quickly. Both sensory and motory nerves can be affected, and how high up you get numb will determine which spinal cord lesion, i.e. a C spine one, or a T spine one is flaring right now. So for instance, in my first attack it was my T6 (I think) lesion, and the numbness stopped mid-way through my breast on one side, and just above my breast on the other. When I had my C spine attack(s) though, the numbness included my hands, tips of my ears, vocal cords, etc.

I have always heard, and my neuros and doctors have fully endorsed, that "sensory" attacks would not be treated with steroids. Although these kind of attacks are relatively rare, most people I've talked to have chosen to try steriods because they "hope" they will help . . . but I have never seen the use of them change the outcome or time to recovery. For that reason, I didn't take them on the 3 occasions I've had these attacks.

JoeMac went through a very acute TM attack this past summer, and we walked him through it on a thread here. Please be advised that if you are a person who would rather just face things as they come, this isn't going to be a thread you will want to read:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...verse+myelitis

This spinal lesion attack you are in is presenting differently though, in that this has happened over several months. The only time that happened to me was when I had a tooth infection that I ignored FAR too long, so I will reiterate that you should be fully inspecting your body for any sign of inflammation or infection of any sort right now.

Cherie