spinal tap

[Guest guest]

I agree, Gretchen with you about the spinal tap. I had one done to see if I

had MS. I have never heard of it being done to detect CMT. Unfortunately, I

was the 10% who had to go back for a blood patch. I wouldn't recommend having

it done WITHOUT a very good reason.

[Guest guest]

OK Deni,

My thoughts:

1) Your brother's doctor is looking for something else neurologically

speaking - to be thorough.

2) or your brother's doctor wants to make some more $

OR

3) There is a possibility in a clinical setting/University/research

that spinal fluid can be used to detect the sub-type of CMT. (like A, B, C,

etc.) Since spinal fluid doesn't have red blood cells in it, this has been

talked about as a way to have a genetic (DNA) testing for CMT done (and less

costly). This is not routinely done yet, however.

So, I am wondering if your brother is in a research center where this method of

sub-type DNA testing is being tested out and this is why the doctor ordered the

test? And is he fearful of finding out his sub-type of CMT?

When in doubt WHY a doctor orders ANY tests on me, for whatever reason, I always

ask " WHY " !?

~ Gretchen