The use of Lumbar Punctures to Diagnose MS

There are several means by which multiple sclerosis is diagnosed, and often these methods will be used together to ensure a correct diagnosis. The symptoms of multiple sclerosis can also be explained by other neurological disorders, so often there is a need to take the results of several tests in order to assure a correct diagnosis. One of these diagnostic procedures is called the Lumbar Puncture, and we will take a look at some of the important facts surrounding this procedure in this article.

What does a lumbar puncture do?

A lumbar puncture allows medical personnel to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid from the spine of a patient. This fluid, (abbreviated CSF), is tested for oligoclonal bands, which are present in a high percentage (between 85 and 95%) of people with a confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.

How the lumbar puncture works

You have probably heard of a lumbar puncture either by that title or one of its other common names, spinal tap or spinal puncture. These names are fairly self explanatory; a needle is inserted into the spinal cord (local anaesthetic is used) and used to draw out a sample of CSF.

Side effects

Most people who have undergone a lumbar puncture agree that the process is both painful in the aftermath and uncomfortable during the duration. There are mental reservations over the size of the needle and where it is being inserted, and many patients find the position used to perform a lumbar puncture (sitting with ones head bent down, or curled in the fetal position while laying down) very awkward. In addition, there are several possible side effects:

Headaches. Headaches are the most common side effect of lumbar punctures.

Loss of sensation. This side effect is very very rare after a lumbar puncture, and indicates that something has gone wrong in the process. All medical personnel who administer lumbar punctures are highly specialized, and this side effect is extremely unlikely.

Diagnosis

As with so many diagnostic methods used to confirm multiple sclerosis, lumbar punctures may not work on their own. As mentioned earlier, CSF oligoclonal bands may be present due to several other neurological disorders, and a positive MS diagnosis can only come after combining the results of both a lumbar puncture and an MRI scan. As MRIs are painless and non evasive, and can confirm or reject MS in 90% of patients without corroborating procedures, they are by far the most preferred diagnostic method.