Saw my neuro. What to do next? - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

johndo555 · 04-18-2008, 09:16 AM

Hello all,

I saw my neuro. this week.
I got an EMG for some of my weird symptoms but it was negative.
No problem in the PNS. All must come from the CNS.
He suggests I pass a spinal tap.

Now my symptoms are almost all gone except for a faint lhermitte when
and some dull pain when I take a hot shower.

I have a had a negative MRI without contrast.

This would be my first lapse. It lasted for about 3 months.

I am wondering: if I am almost out of a "relapse" period and have almost
completely recovered, is there a chance that something would show up in
the spinal tap? Or should I wait for the next relapse (if there is ever any)
instead to make sure the test is more significative?

In other words, since the symptoms are almost all gone, does that increase
the chance of the spinal tap to be negative?

Thanks to all

J

amy2705 · 04-18-2008, 10:16 AM

I don't think it makes a difference in the LP (spinal tap) results if you're in a relapse or not. I think what they are looking for is just there or is not. What they are looking for in the spinal fluid is something called O-bands (oligoclonal bands). They are proteins secreted from plasma cells. If these bands are present in spinal fluid it usually indicates a disease of the central nervous system (such as MS). So like all the other tests, it's not conclusive. But if they are there, at least you know that it's something in the CNS ... which at least starts narrowing it down.

Hope this helps : )

MSJayhawk · 04-18-2008, 12:01 PM

If there is a problem and it is MS, there is an 85% chance for it to appear in the LP results. At the same time, you can get tested for Lyme disease. Is it worth it? I would say yes. Any testing you have done at this stage will give you a benchmark for re-testing later. IF you have Lyme Disease, it is treatable. If you had a fatal disease and you had a chance to cure it if caught early, you would likely have the test. MS, except for the rare malignant form, is not fatal; this test allows a glimmer of hope that you do not have MS. That alone should help alleviate any concerns you might have, IMO.