How do you read the spinal tap results?

I found healing well when my brother was diagnosed with liver failure, chronic hep, chronic cirrosis. Now I am seeing a neurologist had mri of brain that showed white spots, mri of neck/spine and a spinal tap. I have had trouble walking off and on for the last 15 years or so. I am 46 yr old. I asked for my records but have no clue what they mean :). I have terrible pain in my shoulders and upper arms. Off balance ( sometimes "looks like I am drunk" ) memory problems, trouble bathing and dressing myself (takes alot longer) alot of other symptoms I have read on here. Any insight is appreciated.

Hi! Thanks for the response. The report in the lumbar puncture states possible ms. mri of brain increased T2 and dininished T1 signal. increased signal on right mastroid air cells which may be inflammatory. mri of spine C4/C5 and C5/C6 C6/C7 minimal diffuse disc bulge. mild diffuse cord thinning.

brain mri report

There is a small focus of increased T2 signal and diminished T1 signalmeasuring 8 mm focally in the inferior posterior subcortical white matter of the right frontal lobe. There is no diffusion restriction here or elsewhere. 2 small foci of T2 hyperintensity are also visualized in the right centrum semi ovale. Small foci are likewise noted in the lower pons and right middle cerebellar peduncle. No correlate is confidently visualized on the prior CT. Mild volume loss is noted. The major intranial flow voids are intact. The visualized paranasal sinuses demonstrate no abnormality. Insreased signal is noted in thr right mastoid air cells which may be inflammatory.

Impression:

There are several focal areas of T2 hyperintensity within the white matter. These findings are nonspecific but are suspicious for a demyelinating process. Question if there is any clinical suspicion of multiple sclerosos. Absent this clinical suspicion the findings may reflect mild ischemia on a chronic basis. This should be followed. A neoplastic process is not favored. Righy mastoid air cell signal signal maybe inflammatory.

she did not say anything. She ordered a second mri of spine for a month from now

I did and she said further testing is needed

I believe the wait was intentional because it is with contrast. I have heard of people having kidney failure after receiving too much in a short period of time.

Ok so I have not got the final diagnosis but the writing is on the wall.I have begun taking folic acid, B -100 Complex, along with typical meds I have been taking for a few months (neurotin, zolof, vistoril) I have looked up free classes at the gym for people with a disability. I gathered my nail stuff, went tanning(vitamin D), got stuff to show my autistic daughter how to make homemade meatballs, etc. Moving on. I need to get back to some activities that I once did. On bad days, I take it easy. What activities/ has anyone done that has helped the symptoms of this MF MS?

Good advice, Bad Mojo. I've got to work on my diet. I eat all the good things but I eat the bad stuff too!

I wonder what she is looking for with the chest X-ray. She seems thorough! I'll give her that!

Is she referring to oligoclonal bands? It does appear that the writing is on the wall. Keep researching supplements and alternative treatments. There's a lot you can do. Not everyone takes the prescription meds.

Keep us posted.

This is the snapshot of what I found why she might have ordered tha chest x ray
http://mail.aol.com/38507-115/aol-6/en-us/mail/get-attachment.aspx?uid=423480&folder=Inbox&partId=1

Post Edited (abbydoo32) : 4/15/2014 9:41:46 PM (GMT-6)

I'm sure you are very scared! Being in limbo is not a fun place at all! Try to just breathe. Maybe take some time off from the Internet self diagnosis searches. Give yourself a break.

I don't know what all your test results mean. I don't think I had most of those tests. I was diagnosed with just bloodwork, an MRI and a neurological exam. The second opinion neurologist did evoked potentials and another MRI. That was all!

That sounds fun!! I loved the movie on chimpanzees!