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Suffer From Headaches. MRI Done. Spinal Tap Showing Normal Result Except Having Bands. What Does It Mean?
Hi, I have had headaches for years, I have had MRI s over the years I lived in NY, a dr I was seeing than looked at my MRI and said I have MS, I saw a Neuro in Plattsburgh, he told me the white spots I have are from migranes. I moved to NC in June and I found a doctor who sent me to a Neuro., I had another MRI and this dr told me it looks like MS. I told him what the dr told me in Plattsburgh and he said no the spots are in different spots to be migranes. He sent me for a spinal tap. The spinal tap shows potein and everything looks good but I have bands (3.5) I don t know what that means. Can someone give me some answers please.
posted on
Mon, 25 Feb 2013
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 25 Feb 2013
Answered on
Mon, 25 Feb 2013
Last reviewed on
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query.
White matter lesions are common in migraine as well as in multiple sclerosis (MS). Though in most cases, we can conclude based on the location and morphology of lesions on MRI, what it is (migraine or MS, in some cases, it may be difficult.
Oligo clonal bands in CSF (spinal fluid) are typically seen in MS, but not in Migraine. So, if you are referring to the oligoclonal bands, then it could favor a diagnosis of MS.
However, we need more data (clinical and evoked potential studies) to confirm your diagnosis.
Wishing you good health,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
Senior Consultant Neurologist
Thank you for posting your query.
White matter lesions are common in migraine as well as in multiple sclerosis (MS). Though in most cases, we can conclude based on the location and morphology of lesions on MRI, what it is (migraine or MS, in some cases, it may be difficult.
Oligo clonal bands in CSF (spinal fluid) are typically seen in MS, but not in Migraine. So, if you are referring to the oligoclonal bands, then it could favor a diagnosis of MS.
However, we need more data (clinical and evoked potential studies) to confirm your diagnosis.
Wishing you good health,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
Senior Consultant Neurologist
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