Idiopathic transverse myelitis? perhaps it's a SDAVF
 

Hello, my fiance was misdiagnosed for 2 years as having idiopathic transverse myelitis. During that time, he was needlessly treated aggressively with steroids and the real problem was left unchecked. A very rare problem that causes similar symptoms to TM is a SDAVF. That is a spinal dural arteriovenous fistula. That is an abnormal connection between blood vessels on the sack surrounding the spinal cord. The artery was abruptly attached to a vein, and the high pressure backed up in the low pressure veins. This caused a lack of oxygen and nutrients to the area. Dave was paralyzed due to the fistula. Luckily even though diagnosed and treated so late, he is regaining strength and endurance. The nerves are healing! If you have been diagnosed with idiopathic transverse myelitis, please have you're doctor consider the possibility of it being a sdavf. Dave's fistula could not be seen with mri, it required an angiogram. An angiogram does not come without risk, but in the right hands , I think you are pretty safe. Ucsf is the place to go! Best of luck everyone. Never give up!