Diagnosis after negative LP??

[aryannevt]

I'm hoping people would share their experiences of being diagnosed after a negative LP.

My first attack was in December and while the worst of the symptoms are gone, I've continued to progress with leg weakness, spasticity and slurred speech.

Imaging at the time of the flare revealed one periventricular lesion and a questionable cervical lesion. After my negative LP I'm concerned that my neuro will opt to not look any further. My GP is convinced it's MS but will not treat symptoms without a diagnosis. It's already been necessary to cut my hours in half at work and the idea of waiting for another exacerbation (if this is MS) is pretty terrifying.

[zerodegrees]

I was diagnosed quickly and before the LP was done. The LP was ordered and turned out to be negative for the things they usually see in those with MS.  It is ONE of the many criteria used to rule MS in or out.

I also have lesions in the brain and spine.

[SarahL2491]

My LP was negative and have lesions in  brain and spine………I was Dx  before LP was done.

[kwarendorf]

Welcome to our group.

A negative LP does not rule out MS. Many here have been diagnosed with negative LPs. They are used to confirm other findings, like MRI and clinical exams. Your neurologist should be looking at the whole picture rather than the isolated results of you LP.

Kyle

[HVAC]

I do not think insurance will honor a diagnosis of MS from a GP. Mine found mine but sent me to several Neurologists until I was diagnosed. I had 5 MRIs but I was not diagnosed for two years. It can take awhile to be diagnosed. Some people are diagnosed the first time they go to the doctor others take years. They diagnose by the McDonald Criteria which is kinda complicated. You can look it up on line. Many MSers have negative LP.

Alex