MS ATTACK

I was wondering if someone could please help me.  I have had MS symptoms 'attack' for 6 weeks.  I had an MRI done with 9 small spots.  Then my Spinal Tap showed high levels in my protein, white cell and bands.  So far every other test is negative.  My balance and walking have been off for 6 weeks now.  I get crazy symptoms in my head where I have terrible pressure and migraines.  I feel like I can't drive half the time.  I feel sick most days and my life has been upside down.  I have a 2 and 4 yr old that I take care of, but can't even go to the park or other places because I feel so badly most of the time.  My neurologist told me there is a 50% chance it is MS.  I am getting a 2nd opinion next week and going to the MS Clinic at Brigham&Women's the following week.  If i do have MS when will these symptoms go away?  My dr. told me I could get a solumedrol (sp?) infusion for a few days, but heard there are bad side effect so I did not.  Can anyone help with how long this 'episode' might last and if I should get the steroids or wait to see the other doctors?

[Dr Rajgopal]

Hi,
The presence of brain lesions, high protein in CSF and symptoms do suggest of MS. If it is MS, the symptoms may be there always because it is a demyelinating disease affecting the nerves of brain and spinal cord. Please discuss the treatment plan with the neurologist. Steroids may be helpful. A new medicine Natalizumab (Tysabri) has recently been licensed for use. You may be eligible for this if you have extremely active relapsing-remitting MS or rapidly evolving severe relapsing-remitting MS. Different types of medicines can be used to treat the various symptoms of MS such as pain, incontinence and impotence. Baclofen can help muscle spasms and stiffness (spasticity).
Hope this helps you. Take care and regards!