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Is the spinal tab or lumbar puncture necessary to diagnosed M if you have atypical symptoms?

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
New Port Richey, FL
October 12, 2024
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A MyMSTeam Member

With atypical behavior it is always neccassary to eliminate other things as well, so not just about confirmation but about excluding other causes

October 12, 2024
A MyMSTeam Member

I was diagnosed without one. I have never had one. My doctor told me she could tell by my MRI. I was ok with that.

October 12, 2024
MyMSTeam

Diagnosing multiple sclerosis (MS) often requires several tests, and a lumbar puncture (LP), or spinal tap, is one of them. During a lumbar puncture, a needle is inserted in the lower back to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This sample is tested for various substances, including blood cell counts, protein and Show Full Answer

Diagnosing multiple sclerosis (MS) often requires several tests, and a lumbar puncture (LP), or spinal tap, is one of them. During a lumbar puncture, a needle is inserted in the lower back to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This sample is tested for various substances, including blood cell counts, protein and glucose levels, and antibodies.

However, a lumbar puncture is just one of the diagnostic tools. Neurologists may also perform physical and neurological exams, blood tests, and MRI tests to rule out other conditions and arrive at a definitive MS diagnosis. Even if you have atypical symptoms, a lumbar puncture can provide valuable information but is not the sole method for diagnosing MS.

October 12, 2024

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