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What Does "positive LP With Oligoclonal Banding And Albumin In Csf" Mean?

Posted on Mon, 12 May 2014

Question: Hi, I have a dx of fibromyalgia since 1992 but no big deal until about 2 years ago. Long story short, pain at 8-9 80% of time, had to use walker, fell 4 times, breaking 2 bones, dizzy, slurred speech at times, urinary/fecal incontinence at times, legs feel not real, tingling in arms and legs alot of the time, all over swelling, fast heart rate, IBS, chronic gastritis, high blood pressure, weight gain, hypothyroidism, positive LP with oligoclonal banding and albumin in csf but not in serum, MRI lesions but only in white matter, not indicative of MS they say.... What the hell is wrong with me??

Answered by Dr. Jose Ignacio Artero Munoz (18 hours later)

Brief Answer: Multiple Sclerosis Detailed Answer: Hello.Delighted to be able to help. The diagnosis of MS is established in function of the patient's symptoms, MRI findings and cerebrospinal fluid findings.MS diagnosis can not be confirmed 100% but there is evidence to suggest that diagnosis. The symptoms, findings on cerebrospinal fluid (oligoclonal bands Ig G) and the result of MRI (white matter diffuse affectation) are suggestive of MS.Other findings such as increased C-reactive protein confirm the suspicion. MS is the most likely diagnosis. I Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be happy to help.If you do not have any clarifications, please don’t forget to evaluate my answer.I wish you good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Jose Ignacio Artero Munoz (5 hours later)

Thank you Dr Munoz, Could you elaborate a little on the diffuse affectation of the white matter on the MRI and how that is suggestive of MS, as the other neurologists say it's not. And also to C Reactive Protein, again as they have all ignored this finding because my ANA is usually negative.

Answered by Dr. Jose Ignacio Artero Munoz (7 hours later)

Brief Answer: Multiple Sclerosis Detailed Answer: Hello.Delighted to be able to help. I understand that in function of the results of the MRI the neurologists do not establish the diagnosis of MS,because the characteristic MRI findings of MS are affectation of the white matter of the corpus callosum and around the ventricle and in your case it is not, but the report says: "The etiology of these tiny foci is very difficult to determine. A variety of Processes could have this appearance including a demyelinating process ". Demyelinating process more frequent is MS.Even with completely normal MRI,MS not could be discarded. My suspicion is not only based on MRI, is a combination of symptoms+cerebrospinal fluid findings+mri findings+c-reactive protein increased. However it is true that only over time and according to your symptoms the diagnosis can be confirmed. I Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be happy to help.If you do not have any clarifications, please don’t forget to evaluate my answer.I wish you good health.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj