This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

Hi everyone just a few quick q's about ms diagnosis and spinal taps

1. can a spinal tap, lumbar puncture give an actual diag in opposed to a clinical diag.

2. if so why wouldnt these be done almost emediately after mri shows multiple active lessions.

any other info on spinals and lp's, diagnosis would be great.

Spinal taps are not a 100% diagnostic tool, and is normally used in conjunction with other indicators. I have never had a spinal tap, and have a clinically definite diagnosis.

Read up on the McDonald criteria https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonald_criteria

Thank you I had been looking for any sort of info and did know what to look for.

link to some prior discussions re caveats for LP procedure..

search.php?keywords=%2Bneedle+%2Bbevel+%2Bhead*&terms=all&author=jimmylegs&sc=1&sf=all&sk=t&sd=d&sr=posts&st=0&ch=300&t=0&submit=Search

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my approach: no meds so far - just balanced whole foods (partial 'paleo', much less outright elimination), science, supplements, & bloodwork
my regimen - www.thisisms.com/ftopict-2489.html
www.whfoods.com, www.nutritiondata.com

Hi Raizur

Im interested in your question too, as my GP said he is sure that i will have to have this done, as both my MRI's have shown lesions (cervical and brain) but the brain MRI lesions are not in the "right place for MS".

Ive read somewhere that some Neuros entirely rely on the results of the LP rather than just the MRI's?

Have you had your MRI and do you have to have a LP or spinal tap?