would ask those here who have been through it.

Have had an EEG when I was a kid. So not scared to repeat it. Have been reconsidering the LP; though it scares the bejesus out of me!

My question is: How conclusive are the results from Lumbar Puncture? I have lesions (plus 10 on left) and (plus or minus 6 on right) & lots of crazy-weird symptoms. MRI of spine was negative, however posturing might have been an issue (again, not completely sure what that is).

How many of you have had LP or repetitive LP's with negative results? Not sure if I am ready to do this, but, hopeful that if I do, that we might have an answer. Nearly two years of tests & one year of hellatious itchiness, numbness & now a WOW!! partial complex seizure (maybe)...HELP

Hi n2n and welcome to the group! Sounds like you're in the limbo group as yet, but don't let that bother you. Stick around and join in the fun. Personally, I've been diagnosed for 22 years and looking back, am sure it was around for 14 before that. I've never had an LP, my diagnosis was made from a history of symptoms and an MRI. The lesions that showed up sealed the deal.

The past five years have been spent in a wheelchair -- actually a powerchair -- but I still live alone with my little dog. It's getting tougher everyday and pain is a big issue for me, but I try taking it one day at a time.

No advice for you, but wanted to say hello and good luck in your journey with this disease.

I had the LP during the diagnosis process. I can't remember the technical language he used, but "inconclusive" probably describes it. I was diagnosed mostly by MRI and symptoms.

I didn't have ANY problems with the LP, by the way. Nearly gave myself a heart attack worrying about it, but all went smoothly.

Hi N2N

I have never had a lumbar puncture - so I really can't comment. I was dx'd solely from numerous lesions (faded and acute). From what you said about your lesions, I am surprised that they are discussing an LP. Sorry that you are facing this - I hope you get the answers you need.

Lyn

I had the spinal tap after lesions were found in my brain. I was more nervous than anything. I had a slow drip so it took longer than normal. Afterwards I went right home and went to sleep. I drank a pepsi for caffeine and took 2 ibuprofen on my way home. I slept until the next morning and felt normal. I wouldn't do one unless you have to. MS is an exclusionary disease. So if they can't diagnose anything without a spinal tap then maybe revisit it. Goodluck

Hi N2N. If I were you, I would wait until they cannot establish a possible MS DX, before I would allow a LP. It is just another tool to rule out tumours and such on the spinal cord. It is not a smoking gun for MS. Actually there is no smoking gun for MS and there are safer DX tests.

Whatever you decide, we are with you 100%.

I had a LP. There was no evidence of the banding that is typical of MS in my spinal fluid. So it didn't help me get my MS diagnosis really other than exclude some other diseases.

My LP was the worst experience of my life. I had a vaso vagal (sp?) reaction during my first one. My blood pressure tanked and I became very ill. They had to stop and let me recover. The second one went smoothly until I developed a spinal headache a few days afterwards. That was truly horrible! I became horribly ill everytime I wasn't laying flat on my back. I had to go to the ER and get a blood patch to fix it.

Unless you NEED to do a LP I'd recommend avoiding it.

I was crying i was so frightened when I went for mine (spinal tap) LP....but you know what? I didn't even know he did it. The numbing shot was like getting numb at the dentist...i had to lay on my tummy for awhile and keep my head down to avoid a headache...it was a piece cake!there was no need for crying...

I think I will take the general advice & wait until the docs force the issue. Can't see any good coming out of it; since the one when I was a kid was not a good experience; mostly, having a whopping headache & naucea issues (the same reason I was being tested in the first place).

Thank you for all the responses. I am truly appreciative of all of your experieces & sound advice I have received so far.

It's nice to share!!