View Single Post
Old 12-06-2013, 12:48 PM
Dr. Smith's Avatar
Dr. Smith Dr. Smith is offline
Senior Member (**Dr Smith is named after a character from Lost in Space, not a medical doctor)
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Lost in Space
Posts: 3,515
10 yr Member
Dr. Smith Dr. Smith is offline
Senior Member (**Dr Smith is named after a character from Lost in Space, not a medical doctor)
Dr. Smith's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Lost in Space
Posts: 3,515
10 yr Member
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by echoes long ago View Post
there are many tests for PN that should be done before you have a spinal tap but especially a nerve biopsy. a nerve biopsy is a last resort and only if there is an indication of certain conditions such as vasculitis. nerve biopsies lead to permanent damage and numbness in the area that the biopsy is taken from. It can also lead to long term pain. it also at best just confirms that you have pn not the cause.

lumbar puncture i would have less of reserve about doing, actually i have had one done. it wasnt that bad, but that was only after exhaustive testing before that. ruled out a number of possible causes and conditions.
Hi Echoes,

Interesting. I think I would chance a nerve biopsy before a lumbar puncture, but that may be because I've known more people with botched lumbar punctures than botched nerve biopsies. I can see where respective prejudices can be influenced by personal connections/knowledge.

lumbar puncture arachnoiditis

Doc
__________________
Dr. Zachary Smith
Oh, the pain... THE PAIN...

Dr. Smith is NOT a medical doctor. He was a character from LOST IN SPACE.
All opinions expressed are my own. For medical advice/opinion, consult your doctor.
Dr. Smith is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
"Thanks for this!" says:
echoes long ago (12-07-2013)