Ask him then . . . "if the spinal comes back negative for O-bands, is that going to change the dx or treatment options made available to me?" I'd almost bet he says "no".

It seems he is either very old-fashioned (spinal taps haven't been required in years, unless there isn't the type of GLARING evidence that you obviously have), or he is doing some study and using you as a guinea pig.

Spinal taps are invasive, and can be very difficult. Mine put me in the hospital in the brain trauma unit for a week. Of course this is not at all typical!!!!. . . but it happens. The "norm" is that people have at least some amount of unpleasant side-effects though, so why get one if it is not at all necessary?

Steroids are not normally recommended for "sensory" (spinal lesion) attacks, so again this is not necessary. The neuros will give them too you, but they have never proven helpful when the cause is spinal lesion activity. Did you happen to read the thread I posted about JoeMac's experience last summer?

I know how bad you are feeling right now, and my heart goes out to you. These attacks normally escalate over 4 - 6 weeks, then take 4 - 6 weeks to get through the worst of the recovery. Depending on how severe it gets (it may ultimately pan out as minor, moderate or severe), you might not be able to keep on working (or even driving) throughout. Please try to plan for some down time, perhaps 2++ weeks, and to have a support system ready just in case . . .

The mental confusion/brainfog is a very normal part of these kind of attacks too. It is not so much anxiety, although that might play into things too if you are that way inclined. I am not though, and my brain was mush too.

Cherie