ms?

[platt9]

I have been through an MRI that shows one lesion and a spinal tap that shows 3 "o-bands".  doctor stil on fence about ms diagnosis.  thinks i am low on B-12, any comments?

[Lulu54]

Hi Platt,
As I understand is, being low on B-12 would not cause the o-bands to show in your spinal fluid.  Can you ask this doctor what the dx would be if not MS?  

You may be low on B-12 but that sounds like a different issue  - did the neuro do anything for that?  

welcome to the forum- I hope you'll come around often.
my best,
Lulu

[Deb61]

From what I understand also, there would not be O-bands in your spinal fluid with simply a B-12 deficiency.  However, there are other diseases that can cause the O-banding in your spinal fluid, but it does point to some kind of abnormal immune response.  See this site:

http://www.answers.com/topic/oligoclonal-band

Also . . .

http://www.mult-sclerosis.org/diagnosingms.html

Have you had more than one attack?  Maybe your doctor is on the fence because you've not had more than one attack . . .   Also, other diseases like lupus, sarcoidosis, Devic's are listed as other problems associated with positive O-banding and should be ruled out.  Have you had lots of tests of your blood as well?  Your doctor also has to rule out some of these other very serious diseases.  

I hope you stick around and you give us a little history and list of symptoms.  More than likely someone may be able to help you out . . .  

Best wishes,
Deb