MRI pos, LP pos, VEP-normal

[Ufrustrated2]

Probably Dr Q can answer this for me to satisfy my curiosity.

if a VEP is returned normal, and one has MRIs stating "demyelinating disease", and O-Bands >5, can one still have MS? i'll add i still have a dull throbbing painful right eye.

i have seen on this forum where doctors have ruled out MS if a VEP is normal. would a normal VEP cancel out the other two positive results?

[Lulu54]

It always surprises me when I see how differently all of us got to our diagnosis .... each doctor has their own set of requirements they want to see satsified.   -L

[rendean]

I received my dx based on clinical symptoms, only 2 lesions( one in the corpus callosum and one periventricular). Negative LP, VEP and SSEP. All other mimics were ruled out and MS dx given.

[jensequitur]

Whups...  I see she already gave you an excellent answer!

[jensequitur]

Dr. Q can give you an excellent answer!  Until she arrives, I'll tell you what I know - that MS is diagnosed through MRI, LP, and dissemination of symptoms through time.  This means that if you've had symptoms in more than one place in your body, and these symptoms disappeared and came back, then that qualifies.

A VEP is just to check nerve conduction.  If the VEP came back normal, then your nerves are working just fine...  this may not be true in the future, but it's true right now.

[Ufrustrated2]

Thanks Q for the info/insight. El appreciato!  I hope to speak with my MS Doc next week. Will let you know what he says ...

Cheers

[Ufrustrated2]

i thought so essidipty. i was just curious. my VEP was returned recently and my MS Dr is out of town until next week. i'm still waiting on a diagnosis as the current one is as you probably know, "demyelinating disease of the CNS"

lgk54, that fits into my question perfectly. thanks for the info and ehlp.

[Quixotic1]

The VEP is a minor, supportive test for MS.  There is no need to do one if other evidence is sufficient.  If it is positive, then it supports a diagnosis of MS.  If it is negative....it doesn't tell you anything about whether you have MS.

Any neuro that bases the diagnosis on the results of the VEP, the SSEP, or the LP needs to be kicked to the curb.

Lulu is right.  There is no requirement to do a VEP, SSEP, or LP at all in diagnosing MS.

I have never had a VEP either, yet have a Dx.

Q

[Lulu54]

Just a point of order, I have MS and have never had a VEP. So I guess that it is not necessary at all, positive or negative ....... how this fits into your question is beyond me! :-)

Lu

[essdipity]

That is absolutely wrong. It all depends on where MS strikes. A great many people have eye issues with MS, but not everyone. The central nervous system is a big place.

If you are told you don't have MS because your VEP is normal, get a new neuro.

ess