Mri verses Lumbar Puncture

[redhead44]

Just had a lumbar puncture and wanted to know which is more accurate in diagnosing a neurogical problem.  I have had Mri's in the past with no diagnoses.  
Thanks

[redhead44]

I take it he must be because he said the results would take at least a month for them all to come back.  I just wanted to get all the test done he possible could do before I went to Montreal.  That way if they decided to do a spinal tap up there,  I wouldn't have to wait 4-5 days before I came home and them wait the month for results and loose more time from work.
As far as flare ups, I don't really have any to mention.  My symptoms are constant, other than my days off I just want to sleep all day.  What every it is  is slow progressive but I'm still sliding down hill just not as fast as others.  I still work full time in retail, but I just limit what I can do and what I can't.  Some days are not bad and others I can't even ring a sale in because the cash is too confusing, even though I've worked there for 6 years and still assistant manager.  I use a cane for walking as my legs are weak and I gave a bad foot and ankle, the walking plays me out plus balance issues.  But in the store, it is small and there isn't alot of walking, mostly standing (and leaning).  Well if nothing shows I'll just have to keep on marching to Montreal.  Thanks!

[Sidesteps]

The reason Jens gave above is why my doctor has indicated she doesn't want to put me through a spinal tap right now. She indicated that the test itself is rather subjective and there are a lot of variances to it. She indicated she MAY opt to do it when I have another flare; since the antibodies would be higher during a flare (whenever that might be) but at this point in time it the test isn't conclusive enough. Are you in a flare?

After four years though I would also take the odds. :) I really hope you get the answers being in limboland *****. I'm right there with you.

Are they testing for other things in the spinal tap?

[redhead44]

I have been on this journey going on 4 years.  I have had MRI's from head to hips over the years plus EMG's.  But I do have an appointment in August to go to Montreal, Canada to the Neurogical Medical Institute.  My neuro has done all testing that he can do.  This was the last one before I went to Montreal.  And I don't know the strength of the MRI's.

[jensequitur]

Downer alert!

The problem with a lumbar puncture is that it's there to detect immune response in the cerebral spinal fluid.  It finds antibodies in the CSF that aren't there in the blood.  If your CSF doesn't have any antibodies, it'll be inconclusive, even though you might have MS.

So be prepared to be disappointed.

What MRIs have you had, and at what strength?  Have you had any other testing done?