A lumbar puncture is a diagnostic test for multiple sclerosis that involves removing and analysing a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord within the skull and backbone. It is also known as a spinal tap. The fluid is then examined to see whether there is a higher than normal white blood cell count and/or higher levels of antibodies (also known as oligoclonal bands due to the test carried out on the fluid).
Increasing awareness, participation, funding and streamlining communication for MS trials