I went for 3 years before they could diagnose me with MS. I had many MRI's the only lesions that showed up were 2 old ones I had after having encephalitis in 1989. I still do not have lesions because of MS. I also had a spinal tap early on and it did not show MS. The second spinal tap into my 3rd year of not knowing what was wrong with me showed I had MS. So yes I recommend the spinal tap.

I have severe epilepsy and was put in the hospital, my MRI showed several lesions so in return I had the spinal tap to confirm. Turns out yes I have MS
I would recommend getting the spinal tap because it can be the difference from something progression to maintain.

From what I understand, the spinal tap is "recommended" for frequently now as a type of confirmation. I've been told they can get a better idea of what they're looking st with the fluids. HOWEVER, I've met many people that have had MS for years that have never had to do a spinal tap. I have also had several neurologists tell me it's recommended but not necessary for diagnosis. I personally refused one, on several occasions. I saw my MRI images, I saw the lesions, and got multiple different drs that gave me a diagnosis. Its your body, you are not required to do anything you do not want. They should be able to diagnose with MRI and bloodwork.

I had mri with one neuro and said you have MS, so he sent me to a specialist that sent me for a spinal that came back negative for ms 🤷🏻‍♀️

I had a spinal tap an showed negative but it turned out to be false negative I was in early stages an you need to be in a further stage to be positive I know other people this happen to.