HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Lumbar Puncture Questions

Support Forums
>
Multiple Sclerosis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 1/17/2014 8:16 PM (GMT -5)
Hello,

I have a lumbar puncture sched for this Monday. I had a few questions for those who have had this done already.

1) What is the doc looking for exactly?

2) Can the results lead to other diagnosis?

3) Does it hurt? (Silly question)

4) Anything I should know/be prepared for?

I have a ton of symptoms. Some are typical of MS and some are way out in left field. I had an anomoly on my brain MRI. No one has used the word lesion yet. Apparently it looks unusual for a lesion so I guess they are not willing to call it that yet. My upper spine MRI was clean.

Thanks!

Post Edited (Akkami) : 1/18/2014 8:26:35 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 1/18/2014 10:26 PM (GMT -5)
Akkami

3) It can range from fairly miserable to just a bit of pressure. Just be honest and tell them what you are feeling. The doctor doesn't want to hurt you. It doesn't take long.

1) They are looking for oligoclonal bands. This will indicate an immune response in your cerebral spinal fluid. They will also take blood at the same time. They will look for evidence of an immune response there too. MS will indicate an immune response in your CSF but not in your blood.

2) Yes, they should test your CSF for many possible diseases or infection.

4) Some people get a bad headache after. Lie flat for the remainder of the day. Drink lots of fluid. Some people suggest a bit of caffeine to prevent the headache. If you get the headache, call your doctor. They can do a blood patch.
Posted 1/19/2014 11:47 AM (GMT -5)
Thank You. I really appreciate it.
Posted 1/25/2014 1:31 AM (GMT -5)
my doctor said I have a migraine but I think I have MS.I
have muscle weakness in my legs migraine headaches really bad, depression my spinal tap was negative can I still have MS
Posted 1/25/2014 1:33 AM (GMT -5)
and hearing problems too
Posted 1/25/2014 1:35 AM (GMT -5)
And trouble concertrating
Posted 1/25/2014 10:43 AM (GMT -5)
Sorry you are having all those issues. I know what is is like to ahve a laundry list of symptoms. I have my folow up with the doc on Monday so we'll see I guess....
Posted 1/25/2014 11:12 AM (GMT -5)
1234Kittykat

You should ask for an MRI. You do have a bothersome list of symptoms. Those are not easy issues to deal with. Have you seen a neurologist??
Posted 1/25/2014 3:59 PM (GMT -5)
        @ kittykat  yes you can still have MS, with a negative LP.  a LP can help with a MS dx, but can not confirm ms.  my neuro got 2 negative LPs from me, and i do have ms

barry

✚ New Topic ✚ Reply