Oligoclonal Bands Clarification

[alicenwl]

My new neurologist seems to be very diligent in finding the cause for my symptoms. He first told me I tested positive for Lyme disease. My family doctor disagreed stating that there weren't enough positives on the panel. Then family dr. ran a different test that came back negative. However, no reference ranges or results were listed.

Back to neurologist for MRI. Brain is clear but there was a  hemangioma on my spine that he didn't even mention so must not be important.

Spinal was next. Results state CSF contains 4 well defined gamma restriction bands that are also present in the serum sample, but some bands in the CSF are more prominent.
I understand that bands in both CSF and serum sample cancel each other out.
*My question is about the part where some bands in the CSF are more prominent. What does that mean?*

Neurologist can't diagnose me with anything for sure.  Says I do have inflammation of central nervous system so he's sending me to a  "super specialist" at a university hospital MS Center 2 hours away.  That appointments in three months though.

[alicenwl]

Thanks for all of the helpful information. I really appreciate it.

[Katya4]

The lyme results being positive is interesting. I would look further into lyme, there are more sensitive tests like IgeneX and other tests like Lyme AB that show MANY false negatives.

Find your self a LLMD, a lyme specialist. Regular docs and neuros don't know anything about chronic lyme.

It is a real possibility, the tests are blood tests, simple and easy. Lyme can mimic MS in many ways, and Lyme is curable with the right treatment.

Its certainly worth looking into whilst you wait for the other things.

[HVAC]

You might have a MS family time will tell. It is not common in identical twins for example for both to have MS. In most families it is not common. They have found there will be families with several cases of MS. There is still a lot they do not know about MS. They do not know what causes it or how the progression really works.

Alex

[alicenwl]

I'm Not saying that I even have ms but, I just found out that two of my grandmothers cousins do.  One diagnosed in her 30's and the other in her 60's. Everything I had been looking up wasn't very clear.

[HVAC]

The hereditary is small. However there seem to be families that have many people with MS. If you are worried about passing it on to kids it is a small chance.

Alex

[alicenwl]

This is actually my third year of trying trying to pinpoint what is going on. I have been shuffled around to physical therapist, orthopedics, hematologist, and this is my second neurologist. You are right about a slow moving train. I am blessed to live so close to a great ms center.
What have you all learned about heredity of ms? Does it seem to run in families?

[SarahL2491]

Neurologist seem to run on different times than we do.  Alex is right, I waited 9 months for my first appt and when I make appts now, he's booked up 3 to 6 months.  

MS is usually a slow moving train and with them, that is not a long wait but I'm doubting it is MS either.  Something is causing your problem so its good that they are sending you to a super specialist!  I drive 8 hrs to my neurologist!  

[HVAC]

I have never heard of more prominent in regard to MS may be that is why he is sending you to the other specialist. I do not know. As far as being diagnosed with MS neurologists follow the McDonald criteria which says at least two obands in the CFS and not the serum, So many lesions, I think three on the MRI, ruling out all possible illnesses and two separate attacks in separate parts in the body divided by time.

If you are seeing a MS Specialist it is normal for a wait for an appointment. I have had to wait 8 months.

Alex