Question about lumbar puncture

[figuerpa]

I have an appointment tomorrow for a lumbar puncture. I was wondering if anyone knows how long it takes for my neurologist to get the results.

Also wondering what kind of side effects to expect.


Thank You
Paula

[Lulu54]

Hi Paula,
Anticipation of this test is much worse than the procedure itself.  

My neuro and I were joking during the tap and I was laughing.  He told me that was good because it caused the fluid to flow faster. My vials were collected in a very short time.

Be sure that they take the blood samples as well as the CSF samples.  They need to be done for comparison purposes - we sometimes hear that the blood wasn't taken, making the CSF pretty useless for o-band evaluation.  The numbers in the CSF are compared against the blood, looking for ones that are unique to the CSF for the final count.

Be sure to let us know how it goes, Ok?

be well, Lulu

[twopack]

There are several different tests usually done on the spinal fluid and blood collected during a LP for MS diagnostic purposes.  Some of them are done by the hospital or other local lab and the results are available for the neurologist in hours to days.

The test that checks for O bands specific to MS is usually sent out to a reference lab.  How far away that lab is, how frequently they run the test and how results are delivered will determine how long it is before the neuro will see those results.  Most often it seems to be around two weeks.

Drink plenty of fluids and make sure to include ones containing caffeine before and after the procedure.  Expect to remain flat for tomorrow and take it easy for a few days but don't anticipate any side effects.  If you get a headache or have some aching at the procedure site it wouldn't be overly unusual.

I'm sending good thoughts your way but expect you'll be telling us this wasn't as bad as you thought it would be (on Tuesday when you can sit up to key in a message again).

Mary

[RedFlame]

Hi Paula,  a lumbar puncture isn't bad at all.  I was really scared going into it but it was a breeze.  

As far as the length of time, it depends on how fast your spinal fluid flows into the vials.  That's something you cant speed up unless they are able to tilt the table a bit.

Just stay down for a day or two, make sure you are fully hydrated.

Good Luck