Diagnosing MS

[atkins882]

I have 6 lesion (not active from what I understand) and many symptoms.  I never have had an attack, so my doctor is not dx me as having ms yet.  My symptoms do not seem typical for MS.  I have weak arms at times, neck pain, and blurry vision (no damage).  These symptoms come and go.  I have something everyday for a several hours.  Next, I am going for a spinal tap.  Anyone get an answer from final tap.

[atkins882]

I have had symptoms come and go since may.  I think I have had a couple weeks since may that I have felt ok.  I hope to get on treatment soon and get some relief.  What treatment has worked for you.   Thanks for your help, this has changed my life. I am dealing with it very well.  3 months of not feeling good takes a toll.  

[colls326]

If you are having symptoms, wouldn't that mean an attack?? My first symptom was thought to be a pinched nerve. I went to a chiropractor who was the first to find lesions on my spinal cord. I also had a spinal tap but it confirmed nothing. It was decided it was MS because of family history and MRI's. Its been 5 years since my first (and last....hopefully) attack. I was given steroids and was put on treatments. My first symptom/attack was blurry vision in my right eye, numbness in random places like a spot on my back and I lost use of my right arm for a few months. I have full use of everything now since my treatments.

[coach291]

I got a diagnosis from my clinical symptoms, history, and my Visual evoked potential (VEP) test being abnormal (and eliminating everything else). I had an MRI without contrast before I saw my Nero and it came up clean. He said if I had one with contrast it would have probably shown lesions. Nero said we could do a spinal tap...but whats the point? He said it is not as accurate as the VEP. He is not a fan of the spinal tap. I would ask your dr about getting a VEP test too. Very easy test.

[Lulu54]

Hi atkins,

The LP alone doesn't prove or disprove MS.  It can add a critical piece of evidence to support the idea that you have MS.

MY LP really clinched the dx for me -  my clinical history was a mixed bag and I also have peripheral neuropathy that confuses the picture.

It really is not as gruesome a test as you would think - good luck and keep us posted how it goes for you.

be well, Lulu

[jean_619]

Yes it was the spinal tap that confirmed MS for me.  I already had several lesions, and ended up in the hospital with acute double vision.  While I was in the hospital they did the LP -- and when they finally got those results back, is when they made the firm diagnosis.

So going for that test will be good for you.  They'll find out more about what is going on with your health.

Good luck!
Jean