LP's aren't required any longer to make the diagnosis. It only provides additional information if either the MRI and/or clinical history is not enough to make the MS diagnosis. If a person has typical MRI findings particularly if lesions are in multiple places indicating more than one attack and the clinical history indicates that someone has had more than one clinical relapse, no LP is needed. In some studies, up to 20% of pts with clinically definite MS had negative LP's so it can even introduce more confusion. It is more helpful in cases where diagnosis isnt as clear or in cases of primary progressive dz when there isnt a relapse history.

All of the other tests serve a similar purpose.

I don't think they are used very frequently as the MRI technology has gotten better. Never had one personally. I guess maybe they help by providing evidence of disease somewhere the MRI fails to identify? There is now some data on using OCT testing to track MS progression and response to therapies but I have no idea how costly that is and/or how readily available. I'd be interested to see (haha no pun intended) if that turns out to be something that becomes more mainstream.

I'd just double check and make sure insurance is gonna pay for it before you do it though. I guess it will since those tests have been around for a long time but you never know sometimes they can be weird.

I just had a negative lp
I also have a negative Kri
But clinically I've been dx for four years with Ms
So do I or don't I!

Mri

Thank you! They have done everything else and then finally decided to do the SSEP, VER & BAER. They are hoping to see the decline and such is what the PA said & The nurse confirmed.