Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

I had a spinal tap... but it was to confirm the diagnosis.

I would say if you have been officially diagnosed there should be no need for a spinal tap.

Here's what to expect though...

For me, I was in the hospital with my Dad. I held his hand the entire time. I was curled up in a fetal position on my side. My doctor gave me several numbing injections first. I was told it should be uncomfortable but not painful. After about 10 numbing injections and still feeling pain they just got it over with. It hurt and I know I was crying but I was glad to have my Dad there supporting me and comforting me. Afterwards they showed me the spinal fluid. It looked clear. I thought it would have been red, like blood. I know there's a problem if it looks milky but I forget what that means. They ran the tests and found the tell tale proteins that are found in spinal fluid of MS patients. I felt fine after it was all said and done but its scary and it hurts. If you can avoid it I would. That's my personal opinion.

It hurts so bad four sticks before it went in and it was negative but lesion on brain stem say otherwise. Lesion on spine too go to MS center they have the best tests