Hello... I have questions ...
Is it true you must have a blood test right before they do the tap.?

Is it true that it does not matter what hospital i go to - because a spinal tap for MS is a "MS Panel" of CSF. ?

Is it true that if O-bands or raised IgG is found it means Inflammation ?

Thanks to all for any help...

A Lumbar Puncture is used in the diagnostic process of several conditions, not just MS. The link below will give you answers to some of your questions. Scroll down the link for information about what normal and abnormal result are.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/e...cle/003428.htm

i would want to make sure that the facility i go to has experienced board certified radiologists who will do the LP. and the use of floroscopy is a must so the dr can see where the needle is.

your other Q's i can't answer. testing for MS is as much for exclusion and inclusion as diagnostic tools.

there's something called the MacDonald Criteria that drs use when giving a dx (diagnosis) of MS. maybe someone can give you the link for that.

good luck with the test. get a copy of the test results for your medical file. if you sign a release when you're there they may be able to send it in the mail. if you give them a self addressed stamped envelope that may expedite things more.

Thanks to the Both of you.
... I just called the hospital to ask them and also looked at the web site for Mayo Clinic.

The MS CSF Panel checks for the O-bands and IgG Index , Alblumin IgG ratio's....etc.
they did say they take the blood at the time of testing too.
and Yes they are gonna do it floroscopy guided.
I told them how VERY NERVOUS I am - they said they will give me IV - versed ..? ( i wanted propofol - like i had for my colonoscopy)

I hope the versed will Zone me Out enough.?

carbreezy,

Current procedure for a Lumbar Puncture(LP) is quite easy, not like it was years ago when I had it

Although I was scared to death I did not use any medication for the procedure. My LP was done the old fashion way...hunt and peck . The Radiologist hit a nerve the first time and almost got kicked...not my fault and he even said so The second try was a winner

I had the LP first directly followed by a Myelogram and I was in the hospital for 48 hours.

When the radiologist withdrew the spinal fluid he showed me what it looked like, it was cloudy. He told me that means there is something going on. At my follow-up neuro appointment my neuro said the spinal fluid had high protein and I had 5 o-bands. He gave me the diagnosis of MS.

Good luck on your LP. You will be fine

Thank You Snoopy.!!
... I see that you are not taking the DMD...? if they find me positive ... I dont know if i will take them..? also about the O-bands...you said u had 5...
any difference having more or Less... or Just having One is as bad as having say 10..!!??

any info helps me...THANK You..

PS. what does Low EDSS mean

Can they test the Versed on you first, to make sure you are not allergic?

i've had versed and it works well.
i was very nervous too but the dr put me at ease. they also numb the area first and i didn't feel much pain at all.

i had 2 O-bands and my dx was confirmed. i was however, initially dx'd just by my neuro exam and mri.

remember to drink lots of fluids before and after to stay hydrated. it will help prevent any LP headache. drinking caffeine will also help. when you get home lay flat as much as possible for 24 hrs. they should give you instructions.

you'll be fine. take some deep breaths in a quiet, darkened environment. it helps you de stress.

Oooo Crap Sally....!! ... Lets Hope i am Not...!!!... should i worry that i might be,..?

well i Had my spinal...it was done at the hospital...under guided floroscopy ..i was given IV small dose of Versed and something else...then a shot of Local.
That Hurt like hell. they took out 4 tubes...
I am laying Flat now and i am Very bored.