How is MS diagnosed?
Diagnosis of MS can be a long and frustrating process since the symptoms are often transient and difficult for the physician to pin down. For many, especially women, they are told that it is all in their head. Fortunately with MRIs and other lab tests, the diagnosis of MS is easier to make and is done with more confidence. MS is diagnosed based on a characteristic history of symptoms and specific findings in laboratory tests in addition to the absense of other identifiable causes such as Lyme disease, central nervous system infection or tumor. A history of symptoms originating in separate areas of the central nervous system which come and go over a period of time is very characteristic of MS. For instance, someone who has optic neuritis and four months later has tingling and weakness in her legs is a classic for MS diagnosis. In addition there are specific laboratory findings that are suggestive of MS. The most popular is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) which has only become widely av
The diagnosis of MS is often difficult because many of its symptoms are similar to (or mimic) the symptoms of other illnesses. Therefore, no single test is 100% conclusive. Several tests and procedures are needed for a complete diagnosis. They include: MEDICAL HISTORY: The physician will require the patient’s general medical history, including a description of any suspected signs or symptoms of MS and when they occurred. NEUROLOGICAL EXAMINATION: A neurologist will examine an individual for specific abnormalities in the nerve pathways. During the examination, the doctor will look for abnormal changes in eye movement, limb co-ordination, strength, balance, sensation, speech and reflexes. When MS is suspected, further tests will be scheduled to eliminate other possibilities. EVOKED POTENTIAL TESTS: These tests measure the time it takes for the brain to receive and interpret messages (Nerve Conduction Velocity). In short, it shows how quickly a person’s nervous system responds to certain
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is difficult to diagnose for two reasons. First, MS symptoms may come and go over a period of years, and can resemble several other illnesses. Second, there is no single specific diagnostic test for MS. Diagnosis is based upon the patient’s history combined with the results of a neurological evaluation, diagnostic tests, and any symptoms present at the time of the evaluation.
There is no single test that unequivocally detects MS. When faced with a patient whose symptoms, neurological exam results, and medical history suggest MS, physicians use a variety of tools to rule out other possible disorders and perform a series of laboratory tests which, if positive, confirm the diagnosis. Imaging technologies such as MRI can help locate central nervous system lesions resulting from myelin loss. MRI is painless, noninvasive, and does not expose the body to radiation. It is often used in conjunction with the contrast agent gadolinium, which helps distinguish new plaques from old. However, since these lesions can also occur in several other neurological disorders, they are not absolute evidence of MS.
Due to its complexity and variety of symptoms, MS is not easy to diagnose. There is no single diagnostic test and other conditions with similar symptoms may need to be ruled out before a final diagnosis can be made. Specific diagnostic criteria have been developed to assist healthcare professionals with making a diagnosis.
