@A MyMSTeam Member, That''s how they found my MS, a Spinal Tap. It sounds worse than it is. I expected some gum chewing technician to do it, I was surprised when the doctor walked in. Just have to lie flat afterwards for a few hours. Hugs

Mentioned Users

A MyMSTea...

MRI only. I asked about the Spinal tap and my neurologist, who is a MS specialist, said that these are really not done these days unless MRI is unclear. He said all spinal taps do in most instances is run up your insurance costs . . .

I have had both. No lesions on my cord but nrain has a lot of them.MRI was enough for a positive dx.

In order of pain: 1. Sciatica
2. Birthing
3. Spinal tap

You don't have to have a spinal tap but many Neuros order them hoping to "put the nail in the coffin." I had one lesion on my brain and several on my cervical spine revealed by MRI. Dr. fox from Cleveland clinic instructed me NOT to have a spinal tap. He said all the spinal tap would demonstrate if it came back negative was that I was one of the few that had MS but did not have a positive indication in my spinal fluid.