Multiple Sclerosis

Home » Multiple Sclerosis » Diagnosis

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of MS is based on a detailed history, physical and neurological examination, blood tests, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan), spinal tap, and neurological tests.

Blood tests
Blood tests may be used to help rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan)
MRI scan uses a magnetic field to create detailed images of the brain and spinal cord. This imaging test can be used to detect lesions in the white matter of the brain.

Spinal Tap
A spinal tap, also known as a lumbar puncture, is performed to detect oligoclonal bands in cerebrospinal fluid. Oligoclonal bands result from elevated levels of the antibody immunoglobulin G (IgG) and myelin basic protein, which is a byproduct of demyelination, and are present in more than 85% of MS cases. In this procedure, a needle is inserted between two lower spine (lumbar) vertebrae and cerebrospinal fluid is collected and analyzed.

Evoked Potential Tests
Evoked potentials are electrical signals generated by the nervous system in response to stimuli. Evoked potential tests (i.e., somatosensory evoked potentials, visual evoked potentials, brainstem auditory evoked potentials) are performed to evaluate sensory, visual, and auditory functions and detect slowed nerve impulse conduction caused by demyelination.

In these tests, nerves responsible for each type of function are stimulated electronically and responses are recorded using electrodes placed over the CNS (brain and spine) and peripheral nerves (e.g., median nerve in the wrist, peroneal nerve in the knee).

Differential Diagnosis

Early signs of MS are often mistaken for other disorders, including the following:

• Cerebrovascular disease (e.g., stroke, transient ischemic attack [TIA])
• Epilepsy
• Degenerative disc disease
• Osteoarthritis
• Tumor
• Vitamin B-12 deficiency
• Weakening of the nerves (neuropathy)

Conditions that may appear similar to MS on MRI scan include the following:

• Congenital biochemical disorders (e.g., adrenaleukodystrophy, metachromatic leukodystrophy)
• Inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis)
• Lyme disease
• Lupus (an autoimmune disorder)
• Progressive multifocal leukencephalopathy (HIV-related disorder)
• Viral infection (may produce a response that causes demyelination)

Multiple Sclerosis, Diagnosis reprinted with permission from neurologychannel.com
© 1998-2008 Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Multiple Sclerosis Resources

	Join Our Multiple Sclerosis Forum Do you have a question, want to share medical advice, or just need to discuss your situation with someone else having a similar experience? The healthchannels forum is a resource for everyone to share and discuss their health and medical needs with others.	Advertising Disclaimer
	Living with...Share your story Do you have a personal health story that you would like to share with others? As a source of free patient education, our goal is to provide our users with trustworthy information and support from others. That's why we've started our "Living with..." sections.
	Our "Living With..." support pages are a place to share experiences about living with a certain condition, disease, disorder, or illness and for loved ones of those dealing with health-related issues. Many people, especially when newly diagnosed, find comfort in knowing that others are having a similar experience. Help others by sharing your story. View stories already submitted.
	Stay Updated Sign up for our newsletter and receive important updates on the medical conditions that are most important to you.
To quickly access health information from your website's browser, download Healthcommunities.com's healthchannels toolbar. Advertising Disclaimer