To get spinal tap or not?

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In the last 5 months I've had 2 brain MRIs without contrast, 1 with contrast, 1 CT without, and a full spinal (cervical, thoracic, lumbar) MRI with and without contrast. They have all come back normal.

My neuro wants me to have a spinal tap but I am questioning whether or not to have one. What are the chances of it showing something if I don't have any lesions? Is it worth the risks? I've read horrible stories on here from people who have had them done and quite honestly, I can't afford for my health to get worse. I'm on edge now with all my symptoms.

Any input would be nice.

Thank you.

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  • Posted

    Hi.  I had a lumbar puncture with no mishaps but my fluid showed no sign of MS.  I have recently received a diagnosis of MS.  It's not the 'typícal'' presentation.  My neuro says that most often if MS is present it shows up in the spinal fluid.  As I said, I had no ill effects from my LP.

    I wish you all the best.

    • Posted

      Thank you so much. Its nice to hear they're not all bad.

  • Posted

    I had a LP done by a young male doctor while heavily pregnant and didn't have any headache just a bit of a sore back the next day! I wasn't told to lay down after or drink anything more or caffeine.

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