Several weeks ago I had a bad bout of neuropathy all over my extremities. I was so severe that it brought on much fatigue, and I basically could not do anything over that weekend. Had last minute appointment with my family doc. They ran bloodwork and, outside of high bilirubins, everything came back fine. But doc wanted me to go see a neurologist, which I did.
The neurologist ordered an MRI of my brain and my cervical spine. The brain MRI showed no signs of MS, nor did my cervical spine. The only thing that was highlighted in my cervical report was radiculopathy. He also ran a full panel of blood work, 14 vials to be exact. And for the most part everything came back relatively normal with the exception of 2 lines on my total protein serum.
My beta globulin was 1.4, and an M-spike of a 0.5 (not observed).
I know the M spike is extremely low, however what I've learned in this form is that anything above zero is not normal. But what I don't understand is how can I have an M spike regardless of the amount when it says "not observed".
What does this kind of M-spike result mean?
Obviously I'm a bit concerned
My neurologist ordered an SPEP and UPEP to further understand the results
Thank you for your thoughts.
KC
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Re: M-spike greater than zero, but also "not observed"?
Hello kevrcca,
I believe "not observed" is the "reference" or "normal" range for the M-spike test result. It means what you said you already learned from other postings here in the forum: that the "normal" result for the M-spike test is that no M-spike is observed.
Bear in mind, however, that just because you have a positive M-spike does not mean you have multiple myeloma. In fact, with such a relatively low M-spike, there is a very good chance that you have a benign condition known as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), which in most cases never transforms into anything more serious.
I would not start jumping to any conclusions about what your diagnosis is until you have much more information than you have right now.
Going forward, it will be important to know what your hemoglobin, creatinine, and calcium levels are. Also, it would be a good idea to have serum free light chain testing done, if it hasn't been done already.
Good luck, and please let us know what you find out as more information comes in.
Cheers!
I believe "not observed" is the "reference" or "normal" range for the M-spike test result. It means what you said you already learned from other postings here in the forum: that the "normal" result for the M-spike test is that no M-spike is observed.
Bear in mind, however, that just because you have a positive M-spike does not mean you have multiple myeloma. In fact, with such a relatively low M-spike, there is a very good chance that you have a benign condition known as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), which in most cases never transforms into anything more serious.
I would not start jumping to any conclusions about what your diagnosis is until you have much more information than you have right now.
Going forward, it will be important to know what your hemoglobin, creatinine, and calcium levels are. Also, it would be a good idea to have serum free light chain testing done, if it hasn't been done already.
Good luck, and please let us know what you find out as more information comes in.
Cheers!
2 posts
• Page 1 of 1