Yes, to be classified as an exacerbation, the symptom would last for at least 24 - 48 hours, and often much longer then that. In fact, most of us are "trained" to not get concerned until things go on that long, then we may call our neurologist.

Sometimes we get fleeting symptoms, like a cellphone buzzing, but that would not be "counted" an attack.

In order to get a dx, you must have "dissemination in time and space". What that means is that you have to have TWO "clinical attacks" (basically constant symptoms, lasting more than 24 - 48 hrs, on two occasions, at least 30 days apart). Those two events must occur in TWO seperate areas of the Central Nervous System as well. If our MRI or lumbar puncture results are GLARINGLY obvious for MS though, the dx can be a little less stringent.

My daughter has "burning" on most of her back sometimes, and it normally happens when she is run down or sick. Our doc has said this can come from a virus, or many different reasons.

Even when I was numb and paralyzed from the chest down (with what turned out to be my first MS attack), they "suggested" it may be a virus. So, viruses must be able to cause these type of events.

Anyone here would tell you that I am not one to recommend lumbar punctures willy-nilly, but in your case I might suggest that. I wouldn't think MS results would show at this point (if that's what you have), but I would think they would want to rule out a bacterial infection of the spine. (Can't remember the "proper" name; something like mycobacterial infection...).

There are no HARD rules to go with MS, and no two people are the same . . . but there are patterns and test results they look for. Even though you clearly have something going on, it's not obvious what it is yet.

What meds are you on? Are you on anything for migraines, or did you start anything new recently. Even if it is an "old" med, symptoms like this can crop up over time too. Have they checked you for diabeties?

BTW ... sometimes triggers like stress, heat, etc. don't affect us for many years with this disease. It's just a pattern that can sometimes indicate MS.

Cherie