lumbar puncture

[wldcts1996]

Should I have a lunbar pucture if all other test are negative. I have had MRIs and nerve test to rule out other things. Nothing on Mri but nuro says still could be with my symtoms. I think no because nothing is showing up anywhere else.  

[zoefromsussex]

I would also agree. I know a couple of people with MS who didn't have brain lesions on their initial MRI's and they didn't have LP's and the diagnosis took a long time as they had to wait for the next episode. My diagnosis was very quick in comparison (first episode followed by mri & lp- both positive- and the next episode was only a few months after so that confirmed things) It just helps with getting the full picture and it rules out other conditions too. I hope you get some answers soon

[kwarendorf]

If you don't have a definite answer, more information is better than less. Even if the LP results don't point to MS they may point to something else.

My LP was a painless non-event. I'd have the test too.

Kyle

[xxSamanthaJ]

I agree with Lisa, go do the spinal tap. It could be one step closer to giving you some answers, and if not, there is another evoked signal test that they can do also.

If you know deep down something is wrong, then most likily something is. It might be a long journey in finding it, but it will be well worth it when you get answers.

Good Luck! Let us know if you go for the spinal tap and how it goes!

[LisaJF]

What is your Neurologist suggesting? To have one done?  I would assume he has done so since you're asking about it?

Just because your MRI does not show lesions (at this time) does not mean nothing is there. They could be too small to see or be detected at this time.

For me, I had a LP done and without any complications whatsoever.  It was nothing and it didnt even hurt.  I do not see why you would not want to go that extra step in the diagnostic trail since you got this far already.  It may come back negative, then again, it may not.  Although a LP may or may not aid in a diagnosis, perhaps it can reveal something else going on?

I think if you got this far, might as well complete the picture.  They say that in early stages of MS, the LP can be negative with OCBs and when tested years later, it can reveal OCBs.  But this is not always, I've just read somewhere in a medical journal about it.  

I wish you luck and please let us know what you decide!

Lisa