How to Diagnose Multiple Sclerosis

A Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis is what many doctors refer to as a "back into diagnosis." Many times, doctors will perform tests to help them eliminate all other possible diseases before giving their final diagnosis. This is due in large part to the many manners in which Multiple Sclerosis can manifest in different patients. A Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis may require a multitude of tests and months or even years before it is confirmed.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Radiologist
• MRI
• Neurologist
• Lumbar puncture

1. Begin the diagnosis process following the onset of symptoms typically presented by patients with MS, which may include vision problems, loss of balance and difficulty walking, as well as bladder or bowel dysfunction.
2. Participate in a full neurological exam which may consist of tests to determine the patient's strength and ability to coordinate movements as well as tests to determine the state of the patient's cognitive abilities.
3. Spend between 15 and 90 minutes inside an MRI--Magnetic Resonance Imaging machine--where images of the brain and/or the spinal cord will be taken to detect the presence of lesions or plaque. These lesions are indicative of areas of demyelination where immune cells have attacked and destroyed the protein lining the nerves of the central nervous system. Current protocol requires the presence of multiple lesions to indicate a probable diagnosis of MS.
4. Expect to undergo a lumbar puncture or "spinal tap" as part of the routine tests used to diagnose MS. In this procedure a small amount of spinal fluid is withdrawn and tested for substances which may indicate the presence of myelin-like protein in the system. Their presence could indicate the demyelination process typically found in patients with MS.
5. Undergo a series of evoked potential tests where the patient's brain activity will be monitored as it is presented with various kinds of stimuli from visual to aural.
6. Understand that the input of other physician's may also be required to diagnose MS. In patients presenting with optic neuritis or a swelling of the optic nerve, the assistance of a neuro-opthamologist may also be required to perform vision tests as well as observe the optic nerve while the patient's pupils are dilated.

Tips & Warnings

• Stay hydrated following a lumbar puncture procedure, commonly referred to as a "spinal tap." Your doctor should advise you to drink plenty of fluids following the procedure to help replenish the fluids drawn from the spinal cord.

Who Can Help: