do you really need a spinal tap (lumbar puncture)?

[Guest guest]

We were talking about this a few days ago here. I found a website that explains one reason a spinal tap is needed in diagnosis. From http://www.mssociety.org.uk/about_ms/types_of_ms/ppms_diagnosis.html

Is a lumbar puncture still necessary?

For many people with primary progressive MS, a lumbar puncture is necessary to get the right diagnosis. With modern MRI techniques, evidence of relapsing remitting MS can often be seen without the need for a lumbar puncture. But the added information from a lumbar puncture is often still needed to diagnose primary progressive MS.It is possible in some cases to make a diagnosis without a lumbar puncture if two MRI scans, at least a month apart, show new signs of MS activity. However, this might not clearly show MS in every case and two MRI scans are rarely carried out in this way. SharonThis email is a natural hand made product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the information on the lumbar puncture. Margaret A. CoteTo: Group <mserslife >Sent: Tue, February 15, 2011 9:53:05 PMSubject: do you really need a spinal tap (lumbar puncture)?

We were talking about this a few days ago here. I found a website that explains one reason a spinal tap is needed in diagnosis. From http://www.mssociety.org.uk/about_ms/types_of_ms/ppms_diagnosis.html

Is a lumbar puncture still necessary?

For many people with primary progressive MS, a lumbar puncture is necessary to get the right diagnosis. With modern MRI techniques, evidence of relapsing remitting MS can often be seen without the need for a lumbar puncture. But the added information from a lumbar puncture is often still needed to diagnose primary progressive MS.It is possible in some cases to make a diagnosis without a lumbar puncture if two MRI scans, at least a month apart, show new signs of MS activity. However, this might not clearly show MS in every case and two MRI scans are rarely carried out in this way. SharonThis email is a natural hand made product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.