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A member asked:
Is a lumbar puncture needed to diagnose ms?
14 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
Yes.: The test is one of many used to diagnose ms. Even mris of the brain are not specific enough. The diagnosis is a compellation of tests including the lp, x-rays, and clinical presentation.
Answered 5/24/2014
5.8k views
Sometimes: In many cases, the history, examination, and radiological findings are enough to make a diagnosis of ms. In more borderline cases, however, a lumbar puncture can provide a definitive diagnosis. This is very important, as you do not want to put someone on a potentially toxic medication for a disease they might not have!
Answered 4/18/2014
5.8k views
Not usually: These days, MRI films are typically sufficient but LP may be used if diagnosis is unclear
Answered 4/18/2018
3.9k views
Related Questions
A member asked:
Lumbar puncture results: Multiple IgG oligoclonal bands detected in CSF and serum, most bands unique to CSF. IgG value 9.43, range 6 - 15 Is this MS?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
L'hermittes occurred w/o other MS symptoms. Mri of c spine & brain clear. Vep ok. But- lumbar puncture detected bands. What are chances of having ms?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
I have MS symptoms but mri's are negative . Should I have lumbar puncture ? What are chances it is positive with neg mri. Vitamins, eeg& emg are neg.
6 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
A member asked:
I had an MRI which found one lesion on my brain stem with fingerlike projections. I had a positive lumbar puncture of 14 oligoclonal bands. MS?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
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