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LP Question

I had a brain MRI that revealed foci white matter. The cervical MRI was unremarkable. I had a LP three weeks ago as part of MS testing. My results say 5 identical restricted bands found in both the CSF and serum. I was told this is considered negative. I thought O bands means positive. Any insight? Also, I have Antiphoslipid antibodies. Thanks!
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987762 tn?1671273328
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hi Thomas922

Technically your mentioned LP results wouldn't be suggestive of anything, when there are the same obands match in the blood and spinal fluid they cancel each other out but unique Obands are always abnormal.  

The LP results need to be added to all the other suggestive/consistent abnormal diagnostic evidence to limit the more likely conditions....normal LP results though on its own wouldn't rule out a neurological condition like MS

"foci white matter" is a non specific finding, foci basically meaning singular micro sized lesion and white matter basically implies its located in one of the most common areas ....normal brain and spincal cord MRI's as well as the normal LP results would point away from a neurological condition like MS being a cause of your symptoms.

Hope that helps....JJ





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I greatly appreciate you taking the time to respond. I just wish I had some definitive answers.
Avatar universal
Matching oligoclonal bands is suggestive that there is a systemic cause for your symptoms rather than an intrathecal cause like multiple sclerosis. However, no unique bands does not mean you do not have multiple sclerosis it's just one potential indicator. The total protein and the IGG index will also give valuable information but if those were normal as well then your doctor is probably going to focus more on a systemic cause of illness like lupus, sarcoidosis, sjogrens, etc.

MRI is great for diagnosing multiple sclerosis but when there's only one area of hyperintensity that suggestive of demyelination it's just not enough to say for sure because that spot could have been from anything including natural aging. Cervical lesions and thoracic lesions are important because those lesions will typically cause a lot of the physical symptoms with walking and strength.

Those anti phospholipid antibodies that you have are typically indicative of clotting disorders. If you have had a covid vaccine you might want to speak to your doctor about that.
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My Igg index and protein levels were normal. The only abnormality was the albumin in my CSF was low. Any idea what that might mean? I greatly appreciate you answering my questions.
Im not familiar with low albumin but a quick google says its associated with a few different things....

"What does low albumin indicate?
Decreased albumin levels are more frequently associated with chronic conditions affecting the liver like cirrhosis. Although albumin is produced in the liver, abnormally low albumin levels can also be tied to kidney conditions, malnutrition, inflammation, infection, thyroid disease, and gastrointestinal problems.1 July 2021
Onlinehttps://labtestsonline.org › tests › albumin"

Hope that helps.....JJ
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