Lumbar Puncture (LP) - This is wear they take a sample of the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). The CSF surrounds your brain and spinal and helps to protect them from injury. It is tested because it is in close contact with the brain and can help the Drs to find out how the brain is affected by a medical condition.
For further information go to http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lumbar-puncture/Pages/Introduction.aspx
For further information go to http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lumbar-puncture/Pages/Introduction.aspx
So how did I find it ? - It was 5 years ago I had my LP and to be honest I can't remember that much about the whole procedure. I was pretty nervous before having it done. My husband was able to stay with me during the procedure. I don't remember feeling much pain it was uncomfortable but nothing unbearable. The Dr performing it did touch my sciatic nerve which was the weirdest thing. My leg jerked and I got a burst of pins and needles down my leg which wasn't peasant but only lasted seconds. All in all it wasn't fun but I didn't find it a terrible experience. You should make sure you lie flat for at least half an hour and drink lots to help stop any headaches. They say drinking strong coffee or coke can help reduce the headaches. Thankfully I did not suffer with headaches I was just knackered but I think that was all the worrying I'd been doing.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Scanning) - This uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce a detailed view of the inside of the body. The scanner is a large tube that contains a series of powerful magnets and the patient lies inside the tube during the scan.
For further information go to http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/MRI-scan/Pages/Introduction.aspx
So how did I find it? - For me there's not much to say about the MRI, you lie on a bed which will slowly move you into the scanner. There's no pain, you wear headphones as the machine is very noisy at times. MRIs are only a problem for people who suffer with claustrophobia really.
Visually Evoked Potentials (VEP) and Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SSEP)- these are quite straightforward tests to go through. The VEP involves having electrodes put on your head and you have to watch images on a TV screen. The SSEP consists of a 5-per second painless electrical stimulas on various nerves in the arms of legs and recording at various locations (clavical, cervical spine and parietal cortex). All a bit technical for me so if you want more detailed information then take a look at the two links below. After 5 years since my test I can't remember much but there is nothing to worry about about the tests themselves.
http://www.multsclerosis.org/VisuallyEvokedResponse.html
http://www.mult-sclerosis.org/somatosensoryevokedpotentials.html
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Scanning) - This uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce a detailed view of the inside of the body. The scanner is a large tube that contains a series of powerful magnets and the patient lies inside the tube during the scan.
For further information go to http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/MRI-scan/Pages/Introduction.aspx
So how did I find it? - For me there's not much to say about the MRI, you lie on a bed which will slowly move you into the scanner. There's no pain, you wear headphones as the machine is very noisy at times. MRIs are only a problem for people who suffer with claustrophobia really.
Visually Evoked Potentials (VEP) and Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SSEP)- these are quite straightforward tests to go through. The VEP involves having electrodes put on your head and you have to watch images on a TV screen. The SSEP consists of a 5-per second painless electrical stimulas on various nerves in the arms of legs and recording at various locations (clavical, cervical spine and parietal cortex). All a bit technical for me so if you want more detailed information then take a look at the two links below. After 5 years since my test I can't remember much but there is nothing to worry about about the tests themselves.
http://www.multsclerosis.org/VisuallyEvokedResponse.html
http://www.mult-sclerosis.org/somatosensoryevokedpotentials.html
