Can a person with negative spinal fluid testing still have multiple sclerosis?

Yes.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system. The exact cause of MS is unknown, but it is thought to be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

While spinal fluid testing can be helpful in diagnosing MS, it is not always accurate. In some cases, people with MS may have negative spinal fluid tests. This can be because the disease is in its early stages, or because the spinal fluid is not collected properly.

Therefore, a negative spinal fluid test does not rule out the possibility of MS. If a person has symptoms that suggest MS, they should see a doctor for further evaluation, even if their spinal fluid test is negative.