CSF oligoclonal banding

• Risks of lumbar puncture include:
  • hypersensitivity (allergic) reaction to the anesthetic
  • discomfort during the test
  • headache after the test
  • bleeding into the spinal canal
• Brain herniation (if performed on a person with increased intracranial pressure), resulting in brain damage and/or death
• Damage to the spinal cord does not occur because the needle is inserted below the level at which the spinal cord ends. The needle may irritate a nerve root which results in transient numbness or tingling in the leg. This goes away when the needle is re-adjusted.

To confirm multiple sclerosis, clinical symptoms and consistent MRI findings must also be present.

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