About MS
Diagnosing MS
There is no clear-cut test to discern whether someone has MS. In order for a definitive diagnosis a neurologist has to closely monitor and assess the characteristics and history of symptoms. To confirm an MS diagnosis, the data of several tests are gathered and the results are measured against a standardized MS criterion that will determine whether or not MS is present.
The basis for diagnosing MS
To determine the possibility of MS and course of action thereafter, a physician must:
- Find damage in at least two separate areas of the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves
- Find evidence the damage occurred at least one month apart
- Rule out other possible diagnoses
Methods and tests for making a diagnosis
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), shows the areas of inflammation in the central nervous system
- Evoked potentials (EP), measures the patient’s response time to a stimulus—a delayed response indicates nerve damage
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis, is a set of laboratory tests that examine a sample of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord—inflammation in the cells suggests MS
- Expanded disability status scale (EDSS), measures the functionality of different body systems (to learn more about EDSS and what it means in measuring the delay of disability, click here
- Paced auditory serial addition test (PASAT), measures whether brain injury is present and how it affects cognitive functions by listening to and adding-up a series of numbers
- Manual mobility tests that measure skills like, walking, coordination and balance impairments
Source:
Diagnosing MS. National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Available at: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/what-we-know-about-ms/diagnosing-ms/index.aspx
