How To Diagnose Multiple Sclerosis

There is a set of accepted criteria for ms diagnosis but even this system is imperfect. This imaging test lets the doctor take a closer look at your brain.

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Common Symptoms In Multiple Sclerosis 3 Common Symptoms Of Ms Percentages Download Table

Multiple sclerosis ms is an immune condition that attacks the protective coating of nerve fibers.

How to diagnose multiple sclerosis. There is no single diagnostic test that is proof positive for multiple sclerosis ms. The mri can also be used to confirm that damage has occurred at two different points in time. The mri can be used to look for a second area of damage in a person who has experienced only one attack also called a relapse or an exacerbation of ms like symptoms referred to as clinically isolated syndrome cis.

Since diagnosing ms can be very difficult it must be done by a neurologist who specializes in treating ms. The spinal tap is often a component in how to diagnose multiple sclerosis because the fluid may show abnormalities in white blood cells or proteins that may indicate a malfunction of the bodys immune system and the presence of the disease. A doctor will need to monitor and.

A diagnosis can only be made with confidence once theres evidence of at least 2 separate attacks although this may include signs of attacks on an mri scan that you may not realise you have had. They can see changes caused by multiple sclerosis like signs of inflammation in the deep parts of your brain or spinal cord. Some of the tests you may need to confirm ms are discussed below.

Mri magnetic resonance imaging mri is the preferred method used to detect lesions also known as scarring or damage caused by multiple sclerosis in the central nervous system made up of the brain the optic nerves and the spinal cord. A complete neurological exam and medical history are needed to diagnose ms. Instead a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis often relies on ruling out other conditions that might produce similar signs and symptoms known as a differential diagnosis.

This test may also rule out other diseases and infections. There are no specific tests for ms. It can be a complex condition that causes a range of symptoms.