Originally Posted by msbluis

Summer,

We know how exasperating getting a diagnosis can be. I forgot to answer your LP quetion.

No, an LP does not indicate spinal lesions; an LP tests for oligoclonal bands

Here's info from Wikipedia:

"For the analysis of cerebrospinal fluid, a patient has a lumbar puncture performed, which collects some of his or her cerebrospinal fluid.

Each of the two to five oligoclonal bands seen by protein electrophoresis represent proteins (or protein fragments) secreted by plasma cells..."



To look for spinal lesions, yes, MRIs must be done. Depending on your physical symptoms, you may need MRIs from the C-spine (Cervical lesions generally affect the area above your shoulders, your arms, wrists and hands), your T-spine (Thoractic lesions can indicate lesions that affect your chest muscles and abdominal muscles regions)

The L-spine (Lumbar - affects the leg muscles), and the S-spine. (Sacral - bowel, bladder and sexual function) have less common MRIs.

See: http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/spine_picture.shtml