TM vs MS

[mamabearhb]

Was anyone diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis before MS? Or misdiagnosed MS and later diagnosed TM?

[MShasMS]

I was hospitalized on 1/9/15 for TM after rush MRI's of brain, cervical & thoracic with and without contrast (after developing partial numbness from the neck down in the course of a week). I have dye reactive lesion at c2/c3 and also brain lesions. My neurologist & I both  believe I've had MS for several years based on a bunch of little things that all make sense when put together. I am waiting on the results of my recent lumbar puncture but fully expect it to confirm his MS diagnosis.  

[supermum_ms]

Hi there,

Either is actually possible, TM is specifically lesions in the spinal cord which more commonly causes bilateral symptoms below the lesion location because of their bigger size. Where as MS more commonly has the brain lesions and 'if' they also have cord lesions, the cord lesion are typically smaller and cause unilateral symptoms.

MRI brain lesions are easier to find with an MRI, but not always easy to distinguish, so things like lesion locations, size, shape and if any of them enhance with contrast etc is equally important. We did use to have an Aussie about 3 or so years ago diagnosed with TM, she was officially diagnosed with TM, but she did also have brain lesions though for reasons i can't recall, her neuro was convinced she had TM and it wasn't MS. It's been a long time since she last posted so i can't say if her dx ever changed.......

I'm mentioning it because she's the only person i can actually recall that was specifically dx with TM, im just not aware of any of others in our community that has ever mentioned being dx with TM or misdiagnosed in many years, so there may not be many responses, sorry!

Cheers...........JJ