MRI, Spinal, or Blood

[MSyborg]

Should I do an MRI scan, spinal puncture or a blood test first?

[NHE]

Should I do an MRI scan, spinal puncture or a blood test first?

Start with blood tests to eliminate possible conditions which can mimic MS symptoms such as a vitamin B12 deficiency and others. I would save the spinal tap for last. A spinal tap headache can be excruciating and can last for a week. Moreover, a positive spinal tap test showing the presence of oligoclonal bands simply confirms that you have inflammation in the CNS, but may not indicate why.

[MSyborg]

Will I have to take more than one blood test for several vitamins or does it take just one?

[jimmylegs]

they'll charge per result. my last trip to the lab involved 6 vials taken, but i am pretty sure they were going to end up with more than 6 results. the system will be charged for each test procedure, not each vial taken. if paying up front or dealing with copay, it doesn't hurt to be strategic. in some cases you can get a sense of status and what likely needs to happen via a few days' diet tracking.