How is Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosed?

No one test can identify or rule out Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This means that ultimately a doctor will diagnose MS by a combination of observing a person's symptoms, and ruling out other possibilities. This is called a 'clinical diagnosis'.

An MS diagnosis usually begins with a complete neurological examination and a discussion of your full medical history with your healthcare provider. He or she will need an overall view of your health, including your symptoms and when they started. However, it may still be difficult, if not impossible, to confirm the presence of MS without using certain procedures.

Many healthcare providers use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to help diagnose MS at an early stage by providing a detailed picture of the brain and spinal cord. Early diagnosis means that treatment can begin right away, rather than waiting for continued relapses to confirm diagnosis.

Other tests for MS may include:

• Evoked potential tests, which measure how a person's nervous system responds to certain stimulation
• Lumbar puncture to assess cerebral spinal fluid

Your healthcare provider will determine which test is best suited for the type of symptoms you have.