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incomplete transverse myelitis - thinking it is infection!

Hi - I am currently undergoing a lot of examinations as I have 2 lesions on the spinal cord (incomplete transverse myelitis). One placed cervical and one further down. No lesions on the brain.

I am very concerned about the lack of progress the doctors are making finding out what is causing this.

So far I have seen a neurologist and currently I am being examined for infections.

It was back in September I had my MRI and lumbal puncture. As mentioned above the MRI revealed two lesions on the spine. Tests of the csf revealed oligoclonal bands.

WBC in CSF was 43.

Borrelia was negative in CSF and Blood.

Negative tests for HSV-1 and HSV-2 in CSF.

Doctors concluded that there was no infection in CSF. Thus suspecting auto-immune, demylenating disease (MS). I am told I have CIS.

BUT:

Blood tests revealed elevated WBC in blood. Neutrophillocytes  (8.01), Monocytes (0.84), Leukocytes (11,3). Lymphocytes are normal.

They have NOT made test for oligoclonal bands in the blood.

Would you think this could be a postinfectious/infectious incident of Partial Transverse Myelitis?

Further info: Paraneoplastic markers are all negative. My general health is good and I only have minor symptoms (tingling, burning sensations on/off, primarily right side, but lately a bit more symmetrical.  Symptoms change position and severity - but in general very mild. There was no first attack at all...it has come about very slowly)





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667078 tn?1316000935
I second a second opinion with another MS Specialist. I had trouble accepting a MS diagnosis and got a second opinion.
Alex
Helpful - 0
987762 tn?1671273328
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hi and welcome to our little MS community,

Assuming your trying to find an alternative explanation than MS, i think you'll find it would be quite unusual to have '2' Partial Transverse Myelitis spinal cord lesions due to a postinfectious/infectious condition and it be more consistent to have 2 spinal cord lesions, due to a demyelinating condition like MS which more commonly causes smaller cord lesions than TM does.

Keep in mind that even if they screwed up your LP and they didn't check for oligoclonal bands in the blood too, greater than 2 obands unique to the serum isn't conclusive evidence and demyelinating conditions like MS is still would be much higher on your potential list of 'most likely' medical explanations than an infection or an untypical presentation of TM would be.

You've been diagnosed with CIS and I am assuming that's because......
a) you actually do have no brain lesions of any kind
b) you have a few non-specific brain lesions that have been discounted
c) your MRI is being classed as your first and only demyelinating attack because you have no medical history or memory of a prior event
d) experience of your diagnosing neurologist

......and to be totally honest I think it might really help you to understand what all this means for you, if you got a second opinion with an MS specialising neurologist!

Cheers..........JJ
Helpful - 0
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