is it possible to have ms if your spinal tap says no

[timps]

I have 8 of 10 symptoms of ms and a brain scan showed the signs of ms as well but the tap said no sign of ms. I just can't explain all the symptoms I have, weakness,numbness,tingling, depression, blurred/double vision,fatigue,dizziness,cognitive difficulties. with all the pain and spasms and other problems it's just hard to figure out what the heck is wrong with me. I do enjoy working most of the time but it seems like I have spells of very bad fatigue and pain. not sure what to do ? especially since I have the cognitive it makes it difficult to talk to my doctor in the allotted 15 min and he seems to want to do the talking.

[poorkid]

I definately have MS and my LP was normal.  My MS Specialist said that didn't mean a thing and still went forward with a diagnosis based on lesions and attacks.

Please find a specialist who will look beyond the reading of one test.  

[Quixotic1]

Hi, and another welcome to the forum.  The advice above is correct.

1)  A negative LP does NOT rule the possibility of MS.  The neurologist or doc is dead wrong in that.  Repeat :  You don't need a positive LP to have MS!  Period.  Our MS Expert here agree with this.  It is NOT a requirement.

2)  MS has approximately 1001 common symptoms, so just having some on the list does not mean it is likely that you have MS.  What is important about symptoms is the way they behave: they way they appear, stay, improve or not, and others come.  That is the appearance of attacks and periods of improvement (Relapses and Remissions).  We would like to hear how your symptoms have behaved.  When did they appear and how long did they last?

The diagnosis of MS as mentioned above is far more about your history of symptoms, your neurological exam and the appearance of the MRI.  What did your MRI show?

If your doctor is stuck on the LP being positive, then you need a second opinion.  You don't want to be with a doctor that doesn't understand how varied this disease can be.

We have a lot of experience and good information here.  I hope we can help your.

Quix

[Salamander2]

Here is what I have been told.  My first Neuro told me he thought I might have MS based on my MRI, and so ordered an LP which was negative.  Suddenly, he doesn't think I have MS.    

My PCP says "You are having multiple symptoms that suggest a demyelinating process, your MRI is positive with the Radiologist's conclusion being a probable demyelinating disease. We did the MRI to rule out or confirm MS, I don't understand why the Neuro won't accept that positive MRI.  Why do a test then not accept it's corroborative evidence.  You can have a negative LP and still have MS, especially with clinical findings" (neuro exam).

MS is different in every patient, it's not just black or white. By the way, my PCP's a jewel.
Blessings,
Sally

[Lulu54]

hi Timps and Welcome.  

The only thing that is postive about the MiSerable disease is that there are no guaranteed symptoms that everyone will exhibit.  Each case is entirely unique from the next.  

You don't have to have a postive LP for a dx.

You don't even have to have lesions show on an MRI for a dx, if you have a doctor who is confident in his diagnostician skills.  They were dx'ing MS long before the MRI was invented.  

The LP and MRI are really just confirmations for what an excellent neurologist should be able to determine through the neuro exam.  Have you had a complete neuro exam? I' m not talking about a brief look, but a good hour or two of the neuro testing physical signs and probing for your answers for your history of symptoms

Like ess wrote, be sure to check out our health pages, and come back with your questions.

my best,
Lulu

[essdipity]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

I'm sorry you're having such bad symptoms. MS is a very difficult disease to diagnose, because that can be done only when all other possibilities have been excluded. You don't say what tests you have had other than MRI and LP. The LP does NOT have to be positive in this disease. If your doctor is saying it does, then you need a new doctor fast.

I have some suggestions for talking with your doctor (any doctor). First write a timeline of what symptoms you've had and when, and when they resolved. Make this short, and don't speculate as to what caused what. Also make a list of the major points or questions you have. Keep this to just a few. Take these lists with you when you see your doctor to help you remember. Also take someone with you who will be able to help you and to remember later what the doctor has said. These steps should relieve your anxiety about the appointments.

I also suggest you take some time to read our Health Pages (see upper right of screen.) There's loads of info there.

Good luck in getting to the bottom of your illness.

ess