I have no symptoms (I got an MRI about a month ago because of some sinus problems and have since had several MRIs and dr. visits). My question is this: can MS successfully be diagnosed without a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) or is that the BEST way to diagnose it. I haven't had the puncture yet and my neurologist said it's not necessary because of so much demylination on my central nervous system. That said, I have no outward symptoms.
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Q: Hello, I was just diagnosed (like an hour ago) with MS. (lumbar puncture question)
Answers (2)
10/11/10 7:47am
Hi Amy,
As Daniel mentioned you can certainly be diagnosed with out a spinal tap. I was diagnosed by MRI in 1988. I do find it unusual that you were diagnosed without presenting any symptoms. It is my understanding that even one episode wouldn't confirm a diagnosis, and that only if you have a second attack can it be confirmed. Of course your circumstanes are unique, that it was found secondarily to your sinus attack. Are you seeing a neurologist who is an MS specialist?If not, that will likely be a good place to start.
Keep us posted.
Best,
Amy
10/ 9/10 9:43pm
HI AMYFL I AM DANIEL. YES YOU CAN BE DIAGNOSED WITHOUT A SPINAL TAP;I WAS. I GOT A M.R.I ON DEC.15.1993. THEY SAW ABOUT 16 LESIONS AND DXed ME WITH m>s MY HEART GOES OUT FOR YOU ABOUT YOUR DX AND I DO NOT KNOW IF YOU ARE HANDLING THIS O.K. I WAS PUT IN SHOCK. I HAD SO MANY CONFLICTING REPORTS ABOUT YEAor NAY THAT IT TOOK EIGHT YEARS FOR ME TO START TREATMENTS eg:TYSABRI,COPAXONE. THE SOONER YOU START THE GREATER THE RISK OF YOU BEING ABLE TO LIVE BETTER WITH THIS CRAZY DISEASE.I HOPE YOU HAVE ALOT OF SUPPORT AND A GOOD DOC THAT CAN DIRECT YOU. IN THIS CASE A TAP IS NOT NECESSARY BEING YOU HAVE ONE OF THE TWO MAIN TEST NEEDED TO DX M.S. GOD BE WITH YOU IN YOUR RECOVERY OF THE PROGRESSION OF THIS DISEASE bye for now!
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By AmyFL— Last Modified: 12/27/10, First Published: 10/08/10
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