[valpal23]

Originally Posted by Sheila53

Interesting thread and timely for me. I go in tomorrow for an MRI of my cervical and thoracic spine after an initial visit with a neuro yesterday. If those areas show no lesions, then the neuro wants to do a spinal tap. I have optic neuritis and three brain lesions on my MRI; however, I've had those lesions since my first brain MRI in 2000 with no symptoms. I actually have another neuro disorder called cervical dystonia. A person really shouldn't have two neuro disorders in one lifetime, don't you think?

actually among the MS forums I frequent, it's quite common for additional neurological illnesses to be dx or develop afterwards - though one would think karma would kick in and prevent crap like that.

optic neuritis eh? I had that for a couple months in 05/06... can be very painful - hope you're doing okay!

[Cybertyper]

I have MS as well. I had MRI, evoke and spinal tap. Since no one test can rule out MS, I had them all. The evoke and spinal tap were normal. However, a repeat MRI 3 months later showed new lesions and a 2nd relapse. My general neuro wasn't prepared to call it MS, but sent me to an MS specialist at IU. After further history, I had a bout of 6 wks of vertigo and he classified that as my 1st relapse, giving me a total of 3 flares. He started me on medication.

The initial puncture for the tap did hurt, but I had no problems afterwards. I did make sure I was well hydrated, had been told that by someone prior to the procedure. Standard for my doc is bedrest for 24 hours after the procedure to allow for healing.

Good luck