Joan, Al (channeled by Melody), and Billye--you all had your spinal taps AFTER there was evidence of an immune problem in the blood.

I'm working through some articles--want to see if it makes sense for EVERYONE to have an LP.

What I think is happening is that there are some changes taking place in the diagnosis of neuropathy. There are some advocating only a few categories:

1. GBS: In this group, some would say all inflammatory neuropathies belong. And all improve with IVIG or Plasma exchang. Usually it's motor, but not always. I think they'd put neuropathy associated with connective tissue diseases (sjogren's, lupus) in this category.

2. CMT: All genetic except Hereditory tendency for Pressure Palsy belong here.

3. Diabetic
4. Toxic

i think with this categorization there are many fewer idiopathic cases, but I'm still reading. When I'm done reading, I'll make it its own post.

But I'd love to know if anybody here has had a spinal tap with normal bloodwork? I'm beginning to think it makes sense.