Criteria for diagnosing ms

MS can be difficult to diagnose. There is no single abnormality that reveals a patient has MS. And there isn't one test that will show that a patient has MS. Since a variety of other illnesses cause similar changes, it is necessary to be carefully evaluated over a period of time. Symptoms vary and any area of the central nervous system can be affected. In some cases there may be no symptoms because the damage occurs in an area of the brain or spinal cord that is not associated with a specific function or symptom.

A detailed history of symptoms and the results of the neurological exam offer important information. Abnormal neurological exams will point to specific areas of damage in the brain and spinal cord.

Classifications of MS

Before the 1970s, a diagnosis of MS was based solely on the patient's symptoms and results of a neurological examination. Today, diagnostic tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cerebrospinal fluid tests, and evoked potentials can add important information that helps confirm a diagnosis of MS.

For a definite diagnosis of multiple sclerosis there must be a history of more than one attack, at least one month apart, and evidence that myelin has been damaged in more than one area of the brain and/or spinal cord.

If there is sound history of at least two attacks spaced over time, and the neurological examination indicates that more than one area of the central nervous system is affected, then no additional laboratory or imaging studies are required for a definite diagnosis.

If there has been more than one attack that suggests damage in only one area of the central nervous system, a neurologist will want to see the results of an MRI scan, cerebrospinal fluid tests, or evoked potential testing before making a definite diagnosis of MS. The MRI scan can show lesions in the brain and spinal cord that may not have produced obvious symptoms. At least one MRI lesion would confirm a diagnosis of MS in this circumstance as long as it was not located in the same area of the central nervous system suggested by a neurological examination.

There are some people who have repeated attacks, but they always involve the same area of the central nervous system. In this case, a diagnosis of MS is considered "probable." A "definite" diagnosis would have to wait until more symptoms emerge, additional lesions surface on MRI scans, or symptoms worsen.

Infosquare the most complete source of information! Help to complete infoblog and promote your own website. Do you have interesting information? Become infoblog partner and discover the advantages!