Whilst early diagnosis is important, multiple sclerosis is difficult to diagnose. Doctors now use the Mcdonald citeria which is the current international
standard for diagnosing MS.
Diagnosis is made using the following techniques:
- Medical history which may show some pattern to the patient's signs and symptoms;
- A neurological examination in which various elements of the patient's nervous system is tested such as reflexes, muscle strength, muscle tone,
sensations of pain, heat, touch and vibration. Gait, posture, coordination and balance may be observed and questions may be asked to assess the patient's
memory, thinking and judgement;
- A magenetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan will be used to try and identify any scarring in the brain;
- A small amount of cerebrospinal fluid may be removed via a lumbar puncture. The fluid will be tested to ascertain whether any inflammation is present in
the brain. The NICE guidance says that analysis of cerebrospinal fluids "should only be used either when the investigation is being undertaken
to exclude alternative diagnosis or when the situation is still clinically uncertain";
- An evoked potential test will be used to measure the speed of electrical signals in your brain as a response to stimuli. This is to determine whether
lesions in the brain have affected the way that the brain works.
