My sister is going to get a spinal tap because all other tests have not been conclusive. Does anyone know whether it makes a difference if you get the tap done when you are feeling your best or your worse? Will the tap reveal more if the you are in the stage when the micro-organisms are most active? Posted by roro (Member # 13383) on :
lyme does not usually show up in a spinal tap, only about 5% of the time.
it is a very dangerous invasive test. I have had two of them and have never been the same, and I sometimes wonder if the spinal tap caused a lot of this. i had a leak from it.
unless she has a high fever and bacterial meningitis is a possibility, I would not recommend it.
if she has a high fever and meningitis symptoms, then it is necessary, as that could be life threatening.
Posted by groovy2 (Member # 6304) on :
Hi
Spinal Tap is Not used to DX these diseases -
Almost Never shows a positive -
Dont Do It --Jay--
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
welcome; glad you found us.
NO, don't do a spinal tap!~! *****************************
i forgot to add; please UPDATE MY PROFILE to ENABLE PRIVATE MESSAGES from us where we send LLMD, LYME LITERATE MD, names that way.
i also send my newbie package by PMs too. *****************************************
WELCOME, would you like a FREE copy of my newbie package of 118 pages info galore sent by a PRIVATE MESSAGE here; includes TREEPATROL'S LINK of his archive of over 1000 links of good lyme info?
I've been completely REORGANIZING it; NOT DONE YET; but up to page 60 since I have now created a TABLE OF CONTENTS WITHOUT PAGE NUMBERS since it changes DAILY! The part NOT organized yet is the last 30 pages of SSDI, ss disability insurance benefits tips/forms!
also, please go to TREEPATROL'S NEWBIE INFO IN MEDICAL; at top being features; mark it as a favorite! over 1000 links of good lyme info. He/I have some duplicates.
most of mine is very DETAILED info on certain things: SSDI/ss diability insurance benefits; FINANCIAL BURDENS; about IGENEX blood testing, symptoms lists for the basic types, NOIR/no infrared SUNGLASSES, etc. and how to use this board!
If you would like my newbie package, please send me a PRIVATE MESSAGE. PMs are the 2 people standing together icon to right of your name. Just ask me to send you lyme package, and I'll get it to you promptly. Thank you!
Posted by Blymey (Member # 15215) on :
According to my research, spinal taps are really only warranted when atopic (viral) meningitis is present. It is difficult to diagnose lymes due to the fact that it is an intracellular organism - that is the wee beasties get in your cells and go everywhere - YIPPEE.
If her insurance does not cover IGINEX test, it's $200 - also, if tests remain negative and other blood tests are not confirming lyme, maybe she has something else.
Good luck.
Posted by WildCondor (Member # 434) on :
Spinal taps are useless and unnecessary as use as a diagnostic for Lyme disease, 80% of Lyme cases are missed.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Find a real LLMD...one who knows spinal taps are useless and WAY too invasive.
Lyme is a clinical diagnosis. Find a good doctor!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
^^
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
this was posted the other day; i broke the entire article up; please print off my version. it's written by a dr. b; NOPE not that famous one, but another.
it talks about spinal taps and almost every body part effecting lyme!*************************
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