I'm a little confused . . . - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

marion06095 · 06-13-2005, 04:35 PM

I had a clearly positive MRI. Is it possible that I'll have a negative spinal tap (scheduled for this Friday)? If I do have a negativce spinal tap, does that rule out MS?

dje27 · 06-13-2005, 06:32 PM

Im in the same situation. Nine lesions on brain MRI but had a negative spinal tap. I do have some symptoms, the neur told me he is going to do a follow up MRI in a year. I guess it takes a while to confirm MS.

marion06095 · 06-13-2005, 07:01 PM

A YEAR?!?!?!? Good grief! I'm not sure I could stand the suspense for a year!

lilc · 06-13-2005, 07:33 PM

Marion, I'd encourage you to read back through the older posts to this board, and to do additional research. It seems clear to me that a definitive diagnosis is elusive, and yes, it takes some time. I've been working on a dx for only 3 months, I expect to have several more months of anxiety and (unpleasant) tests before I really know what is going on. But I'm quite sure I've read that a positive or negative MRI or lumbar puncture in and of itself is not necessarily conclusive. It seems that anything related to the central nervous system involves some degree of sleuthing, and I'm getting the impression that the nature of your neurologist plays a major part in how long it takes to get an answer.
Personally, when I consider my past and present bad habits and my current symptoms I haven't found anything LESS devastating than MS to blame it on...I have also searched on other disorders that may be causing my symptoms (like Lupus, Lyme and fibromyalgia) and have found that they don't fit at all, but MS fits best. It isn't that I WANT to have MS - I just don't want to have something that is certainly terminal...
Look on the bright side, a year of interesting tests and information about your "innards" will probably fly by, and you will be better equipped to maintain your health when it is over! By the way, what symptoms do you have?

racefan8 · 06-13-2005, 07:36 PM

I was in the same situation...positive MRI with 5 lesions, and a negative spinal tap...1st neuro wanted injections, but couldn't explain why...2nd neuro said, "you have MS and injections are a must"...so to answer your question...yes it is possible. Just keep digging until you get answers. Remember the doctor works for you, and you can always go to another one!! I chose Avonex...I am having a rough time with self injecting, but I have a co-worker that gives me my injection!! My follow up MRI is in 6 months to a year. Depending on how everything is going at the time. Good luck!!