How is Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosed?

BySam Walton

There is currently no single test available to diagnose multiple sclerosis or MS. Healthcare providers use a combination of approaches to confirm that a patient is suffering from MS. These approaches may include laboratory tests, neurological exams, medical history and an evaluation of the patient’s symptoms.

To diagnose MS or multiple sclerosis, doctors also rule out conditions with similar symptoms. The neurological symptoms of MS are similar to those in infections such as Lyme disease, inflammatory disorders such as vasculitis, genetic conditions, and vitamin deficiencies. The doctor may order a variety of tests, such as an MRI, blood tests, and a spinal fluid analysis, to rule out other conditions and confirm MS. This can make the diagnosis of MS a long, painstaking process. Some patients may receive a definitive diagnosis quickly.

It is critical for MS patients to get an accurate and timely diagnosis because only once the root cause of the symptoms is discovered, the treatment plan can be designed and start it. Starting treatment early can help to manage and even delay the progression of Multiple Sclerosis.

A confirmed MS diagnosis is based on –

  • Evidence of damage in at least 2 areas in the central nervous system (CNS), like the spinal cord, brain, or optic nerve
  • Evidence that the above-mentioned damage occurred at different times
  • Any other condition with similar symptoms to be ruled out

Methods to diagnose MS

Specific guidelines in the McDonald Criteria for diagnosing MS use the MRI and cerebrospinal fluid. An MRI may be able to point out a second area of damage in someone who has experienced only one MS attack. The cerebrospinal fluid analysis may also indicate two separate instances of damage.

Doctors will also ask for –

  • any symptoms you’ve experienced
  • information about your medical and family history
  • information about pre-existing conditions, and places of travel

A comprehensive neurologic evaluation including an analysis of the cranial nerves through swallowing and facial sensation, among other measures will be conducted. The doctor will assess reflexes, the patient’s sense of coordination, posture, balance, sensation, and gait.

Often, medical history and neurologic exams are enough to make a definitive Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis. Additional testing may be carried out to confirm the diagnosis.

There is no single blood test that definitively points out the presence of MS but a blood test may be used to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms like deficiency of certain vitamins, specific infections, and conditions, such as Sjogren’s or Lupus.

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