Diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis

How is multiple sclerosis diagnosed?

With today's medicine, there is no definitive test available to diagnose multiple sclerosis. A diagnosis may be made based on:

• Symptoms — including type of symptoms, how often they appear and how long they last
• Medical tests
• Ruling out other conditions

What happens during an exam for MS?

Your doctor will take your medical history and conduct a neurological exam to find out how you are functioning mentally and physically.   

Tests you might have:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – Produces detailed images of the body's organs and structures to show damage caused by MS.
• Evoked potentials – Measures the length of time nerves respond to stimulation.
• Cerebral spinal fluid analysis (also called spinal tap or lumbar puncture) – Examines spinal column fluid to check for abnormalities from MS.
• Blood tests to rule out other causes.