Is it possible to have MS even with a perfect MRI, spine and brain? How long do you need to have symptoms before it would show up on a scan? Everthing I read, it sounds like if the MRI is clear, MS is not considered. Is this accurate? I would appreciate any advice on this.
Thanks
Although I have not reviewed your scans, it correct, they suggest a dianosis of transverse myelitis in the thoracic spinal cord.
The cause is often not found, and a single episode is not diagnostic or suggestive of MS, especially if your MRI brain is normal. The thoracic (bra strap level ) of the spinal cord is an unusual area for an MS lesion also. The appearance on MRI can also help differentiate from MS. A repeat MRI should be done a few months after onset to confirm it was a single episode. Also they should have done the usual blood test workup for transverse myelitis like B12, folate, Lyme etc
I have had several patients like this - as there was damage done to the spinal cord at the time if injury (from whatever cause, often viral) you will experience persistent symptoms until some or all of the damaged nerve elements heal, which can take up to several months.
Symptomatic treatments would include medications to treat nerve related pain like neurontin, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, tricyclic antidepressants like nortyptaline)
Good luck