Help with spinal results

[rdouma73]

Hi, I recently had and brain MRI, as well as a spinal tap to rule out MS. The MRI was unremarkable, but the spinal showed 2 well-defined gamma restriction bands in the CSF. Everything else about my CSF was in range. My neurologist completely dismissed it as nothing. Is this correct? Should I seek another opinion? I'm so confused as to what if anything the 2 bands may mean. The neurologist is less than helpful and has horrible bedside manner. I have many classic MS symptoms and I am left with no answer. Thank you

[supermum_ms]

Hi and welcome,

Technically 1 or 2 'unique' CSF Obands that weren't also in your blood wouldn't typically be classes as abnormal, 2 is borderline normal...the diagnostic LP evidence consistent-suggestive of MS is actually 2+ unique CSF Obands, and depending on where your LP was done (eg Mayo) the LP may even require 4+ unique CSF Obands to be suggestive-consistent with a diagnosis of MS.

Keep in mind the presence of CSF oligoclonal bands in your CSF only suggests inflammation of the central nervous system due to infection or another disease and because the LP is not an exclusive MS diagnostic test the LP results can only be used as 'addition' objective evidence along with all the other suggestive-consistent abnormal diagnostic evident pointing towards a neurological condition like MS.  

You don't mention if you have any abnormal neurological clinical signs eg Babinski's, Chaddock's, Hoffmann, Oppenheim's, Dysarthria, diplopia, Nystagmus, Oscillopsia, Intranuclear Ophthalmoplegia, Optic Neuritis, Cerebellar Ataxia etc etc etc but IF as you say your brain and spinal MRI's were unremarkable and your LP is also borderline normal, your objective diagnostic evidence would be pointing away from a neurological condition like MS as a causation.

Hope that helps........JJ (MS community leader)