Peripheral Neuropathy

I have been diagnosed with Peripheral neuropathy and have been told that I may need a lumbar puncture.
I have always dreaded this procedure and wonder if it is necessary.
Thank you.

[michelleislay]

it is probably a good idea, and i have heard just the odd report that it is as terrible as the rumours make it out to be.  

my mum had one a few years ago and promised me it really was not all that bad at all.

question though,  have any MRI's been ordered?  i think they are often run first.

xo michelle

[Lulu54]

Hi Nancy,

First, let me say welcome - I don't think we have crossed paths before.

I am a bit confused about the peripheral neuropathy (which I have) and a lumbar puncture.   PN would be investigated through a neuro exam followed by an EMG - a fairly simple and relatively pain free test where electrical currents are applied to your nerves and muscles to trace the conduction.

An LP would be used to look at any diseases that affect the central nervous system.  Peripheral neuropathy is not a CNS problem.

Is your consultant also looking at MS as a possibility?

Welcome again, Lulu

[Quixotic1]

Just a quickie, there is an entity called CIDP Chronic Immune (or Inflammatory) Demyelinating Polyradiculopathy.  this is the peripheral nervous system counterpart of MS.  It involves widespread peripheral neuropathy and is diagnosed with a combination of EMG and LP.  therre are different findings on the LP that help distinguish it from MS such as very elevated CSF protein levels and few or no O-Bands.

Welcome

Quix

[Lulu54]

thanks Q - I learn something everytime I'm here.

Nancy, I should have also added that the LP is not as bad as we might imagine.  Only one out of 7 people have post-LP headaches, the worst side effect of the procedure.  Even that goes away in a while (sometimes with medical intervation!).

take care, Lu

[Erin0313]

Welcome to the forum :)

I have peripheral neuropathy too. It was one of my first dx and has stuck around for about 15 years.

I would rather have the LP than the EMG any day, but that's just me. I didn't like the needles poking my nerves like I was a pin cushion, hello that hurts Doctor ladie, lol!

I hope that whichever tests you end up having bring answers and excellent treatment for you.

Good luck
Erin :)