inclusion criteria
development of sensory, motor, or autonomic dysfunction attributable to the spinal cord
bilateral signs and/or symptoms (though not necessarily symmetric)
clearly defined sensory level
exclusion of extraaxial compressive cause by neuroimaging (MRI or myelography; CT is not adequate)
inflammation within the spinal cord demonstrated by CSF pleocytosis or increased IgG index or gadolinium enhancement
progression to nadir between 4 hours and 21 days after the onset of symptoms