well i just picked up my report on the spinal tap ( CSF tap )
and all levels are in Normal Range..!! Also is says 0 (zero) O bands.!!
I am in a Happy Shock ..!!

I see the New Neuro Doc tomorrow Morning...he is a MS specialist.
the Doc that sent me for the spinal tap after looking at my MRI Highlighted Lesions...was convinced it appeared to look like MS...
... i am So Happy and Confused...

The only thing that was High was the CSF "Mononuclear Cells"...

carol

I dont really know what any of this means yet -- but am happy that you are happy!

It means there is a 95% chance i dont have MS...and it means You Gotta Get the Spinal Tap.!!! ...

Congrats if no MS and pray nothing worse.

Any protein in the Fluid? That's a sign of demylination. That's how I was DXed.

my protein csf is 26 normal range is 15-45
....so 26 looks good to me.

When I was diagnosed I had lesions on my brain MRI (with a couple of them enhanced by contrast) and the report stated I had demyelinating disease. I had slight blurry vision in my left eye (still 20/20) and dizziness.

My spinal tap showed no O-bands. I had every blood test imaginable. A few random tests were slightly elevated. I went to the Mayo Clinic for a second opinion. They said yes it was MS, no question. So theoretically you can have MS without the bands. It's not common but it is definitely possible.

I remember reading medical journal articles about people with MS and no
O-bands. Early on they thought it was indicative of a more mild/benign course but I don't think they believe that anymore. For what it's worth, it's been 5 years and I've had no relapses (knock on wood!).

Good luck with your doctor visit!

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multipl...S/show/1137183

I am diagnosed with MS, and had no bands. I am told, however, that my MRI of the brain is classic MS.

I had two lumbar punctures about 6 months apart, because my first neuro screwed up the first one and couldn`t get enough fluid for a proper test.

The second, done under the scope at the Cleveland Clinic was complete, and negative for everything. I was offered a third by the MS specialist that diagnosed me, but he said that even if it was negative again he wouldn`t change his diagnosis.

My repeated MRIs, extensive blood and other lab work, neurological exams, and a history of progression gave him enough evidence. Especially since no other explanation could be found.

Hi carbreezy,

I am happy you are happy

However, it would be a good idea to wait and see what your neuro has to say. There are some diagnosed with MS who have o-bands (me), some who's LP came up negative for o-bands (like you) and some who never had a LP as part of the diagnostic process.

I really hope you do not have MS