MS diagnosis: MRI on spinal cord vs Lumbar puncture

[denzel_1980]

Dear All:
I read some other posts indicating that Lumbar Puncture is usually done after the result of MRI on spinal cord. Is there any reason for that? Could you please explain to me about the two tests on diagnosing MS or other spinal cord problem? Thank you.

Another question is that, is there any side effect of Lumbar puncture.  I had an MRI a month ago, then one yesterday, both on brain and both with and without contrast. The first one I did not feel any uncomfortable. But yesterday's one, the contrast made me very nausea. I still felt a little nausea after 20 hours. Could yo please let me know what kind of side effect lumbar puncture could have, especially for me who felt very weak, had back pain, tired legs for the last week?

Thank you very much for reading my questions. Please share me any thoughts. Thanks you.

Denzel

[denzel_1980]

Had the MRI on the spinal cord yesterday, without and with contrast. The operator was very kind. She asked about my symptom. Also asked about what music I like during the MRI. I told her that I like country music and worship songs, but I would rather have a pair of earplugs. She also had a blanket on me, but later on I told her that I felt a little bit hot and asked her to remove it.
About nausea, this time I felt a little bit of it before the contrast. Since I have told her that I  felt very nauseous last time on contrast,  she injected the contrast very slow and didn't cause any nausea.

[tripnstumble]

I had issues with my first MRI with contrast, not nausea though. But I sure felt terrible. Second MRI no issues at all.

[jujuminx]

I have never had a LP, only the MRI w and w/o contrast. It was enough to dx.  I think your dr made the right call, no point in starting with the LP first if can be dx with MRI. MRI way less invasive. Never had any problems with the gad.

Julie

[denzel_1980]

Hi Jen and Alex:
Thanks for help. Talked to more neurologist, and we decided to do an MRI of spinal cord first to see if it is necessary to do the LP.

Blessings,
Denzel

[tingletingle]

Hi Denzel,

I didn't experience any nausea with the gad injection but they did ask me if I was feeling alright because apparently some people do feel sick.

Most people seem to fly through the LP and it may give you a headache and feel a bit uncomfortable for a short time but the science of what it may tell you through analysis is worthwhile.

Blessings
Alex

[jensequitur]

Hey, Denzel - sometimes an MRI isn't enough to diagnose a person, and the neurologist needs more evidence.  A spinal tap will extract spinal fluid, which they can run tests on to determine whether your blood-brain barrier has been breached.  The findings are called oligoclonal bands, and a positive test is three or more bands.

I've never heard of gadolinium contrast causing nausea, but I would talk to your regular doctor or the neurologist about the nausea.  Do you have any dizziness or vertigo?