Don’t understand how to get a diagnosis.
For the last 7 months I have had symptoms. I have leg spasms, extreme sensitivity to heat, headaches, constipation, nerve pain in my back, insomnia, and cognitive decline. The symptoms are getting slightly better. I had a brain MRI which showed several white spots. I took an extensive neuropsych test which showed cognitive decline. I had a lumbar puncture yesterday. I don’t have the results. Should I be close to being able to get a diagnosis? Thank you for your help.
Hi @Bettyandbud49. The lumbar puncture can be a wonderful tool for determining whether someone has MS. Your doctor will be looking for a type of protein called oligoclonal bands (O-bands), which are often found in people with MS. If you don't have these proteins, that doesn't automatically rule out MS, but, if you have them, your doctor will likely consider that conclusive evidence of an MS diagnosis. Here is an article that explains the test better than I can: https://multiplesclerosis.net/diagnosis/lumbar-puncture. I hope this helps and that you get answers soon, so you can get started on treatment. Please know we are here for you whenever you need support or a place to vent. Best of all wishes! - Lori (Team Member)
Thank you
thank you
