I am looking for advice/opinion on lumbar punctures.
I am not worried about the procedure and will have one if absolutely necessary but I have read so much conflicting information regarding them.
I had lesions on my brain, my then neurologist said they are not in the typical location for MS. My spine etc are clear.
I have many symptoms such as left sided weakness, brain fog, confusion, speech issues, severe fatigue, bladder urgency and latest has been vision problems in my left eye. I have had the vision problems checked and I have had a scan, they have confirmed no swelling but my site test on symptoms are indicating Optical Neuritis.
I had my 6 monthly scan yesterday with contrast and I am back to my new neurologist on the 6th April. I am pre-empting that I will be asked to have a lumbar puncture but I had read so much conflicting information on them.
Hiya,
20+ years ago I had to go down the private route regarding my ms (long story for another time) and I said to my neurologist that I didn’t want a lumbar puncture and could they look at other options and the answer I received was yes.
I received my diagnosis based on an MRI and an VEP (Evoked potentials test) my issues at the time were pins & needles in my arms and legs with some numbness also in legs which is considerably less than the issues you are experiencing. The VEP measures how long it takes the brain to respond to messages sent by the eyes; the test was repeated for each eye and took about 45 minutes.
Personally I found it completely fine . Coke ( Coca Cola not the drug ) helps with any headaches you might get. Also from experience don’t bend down too much. Just take it easy and don’t move your head around too much.