Quote:
Originally Posted by MS Diagnosed
I've had 2 spinal taps, 1 was done sitting on edge of a gourney & the 2nd was via live Xray. Definately ask for the live Xray if you have a choice but either way the other wasn't so bad & it is necessary for the dx process.
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Hello MS Diagnosed and Welcome to NeuroTalk
A Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap) is not always necessary for a MS diagnosis. There are those who have a MS diagnosis and either didn't have a Lumbar Puncture or the result for it was negative. The LP can be used to indicate other conditions as well as MS.
Information about the LP:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/e...cle/003428.htm
In the case of MS a positive LP would show Oligoclonal Banding (O-Bands) in the spinal fluid.
Information on Oligoclonal Banding:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/e...cle/003631.htm
I am not sure why you have had 2 LPs. If there are o-bands there would be no reason to repeat a LP as once you have o-bands you will always have o-bands in the spinal fluid...to the best of my knowledge and per my neuro.
I would guess that the majority of us who have had a LP would not care to repeat it, myself included
I wish you all the best in the diagnositic process.