| There are several means by which multiple sclerosis is | | | | aftermath and uncomfortable during the duration. |
| diagnosed, and often these methods will be used | | | | There are mental reservations over the size of the |
| together to ensure a correct diagnosis. The | | | | needle and where it is being inserted, and many |
| symptoms of multiple sclerosis can also be explained | | | | patients find the position used to perform a lumbar |
| by other neurological disorders, so often there is a | | | | puncture (sitting with one’s head bent down, or |
| need to take the results of several tests in order to | | | | curled in the fetal position while laying down) very |
| assure a correct diagnosis. One of these diagnostic | | | | awkward. In addition, there are several possible side |
| procedures is called the Lumbar Puncture, and we will | | | | effects: |
| take a look at some of the important facts | | | | Headaches. Headaches are the most common side |
| surrounding this procedure in this article. | | | | effect of lumbar punctures. |
| What does a lumbar puncture do? | | | | Loss of sensation. This side effect is very very rare |
| A lumbar puncture allows medical personnel to collect | | | | after a lumbar puncture, and indicates that something |
| a sample of cerebrospinal fluid from the spine of a | | | | has gone wrong in the process. All medical personnel |
| patient. This fluid, (abbreviated CSF), is tested for | | | | who administer lumbar punctures are highly |
| oligoclonal bands, which are present in a high | | | | specialized, and this side effect is extremely unlikely. |
| percentage (between 85 and 95%) of people with a | | | | Diagnosis |
| confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. | | | | As with so many diagnostic methods used to confirm |
| How the lumbar puncture works | | | | multiple sclerosis, lumbar punctures may not work on |
| You have probably heard of a lumbar puncture either | | | | their own. As mentioned earlier, CSF oligoclonal bands |
| by that title or one of its other common names, | | | | may be present due to several other neurological |
| spinal tap or spinal puncture. These names are fairly | | | | disorders, and a positive MS diagnosis can only come |
| self explanatory; a needle is inserted into the spinal | | | | after combining the results of both a lumbar puncture |
| cord (local anaesthetic is used) and used to draw out | | | | and an MRI scan. As MRIs are painless and non |
| a sample of CSF. | | | | evasive, and can confirm or reject MS in 90% of |
| Side effects | | | | patients without corroborating procedures, they are |
| Most people who have undergone a lumbar puncture | | | | by far the most preferred diagnostic method. |
| agree that the process is both painful in the | | | | |