The diagnosis of MS cannot be made on the basis of a single test; rather, it is a matter of an interplay of different findings.

You can read the full article on my blog: https://ms-perspektive.com/002-diagnosis

Today’s post is about the examinations that are needed at the beginning of the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Of course, there are very clear cases that have such a typical and clearly recognizable MS with relapses that it is easy to make the right diagnosis.

But there are also more difficult ones, where it is not that obvious. And remarkably many diseases can appear very similar to multiple sclerosis, at least for some time.

That’s why we have a whole module in the Multiple Sclerosis Management Master, where we have lectures on the different examinations and other diseases from which MS has to be differentiated.

Multiple Sclerosis Management Master (I study in German, the link goes to the international study program). 

Table of Contents

• Why is it so important to make a correct diagnosis early on?
• What does differential diagnosis actually mean?
• MS diagnosis based on McDonald criteria
• Typical MS symptoms at the time of diagnosis
• On the importance of MRI for MS diagnosis.
• CSF findings from lumbar puncture and oligoclonal bands
• Electrophysiology for MS diagnosis (evoked potentials - VEP, SEP, MEP)
• Blood tests - what the serum reveals
• Further investigations for differential diagnosis in MS
• Criteria for a definitive MS diagnosis in the relapsing-remitting course
• Diagnostic criteria for secondary progressive MS (SPMS)
• Diagnostic criteria for primary progressive MS (PPMS)
• MS-typical areas of inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS)
• What distinguishes a suspected MS from a confirmed MS diagnosis?
• MS Diagnosis Summary and Tips

MS Diagnosis Summary and Tips

I hope you now understand better why more or less complex examinations are sometimes necessary. And remember, immediately after a lumbar puncture, drink lots of water or thin tea to quickly replace the nerve fluid that was removed. This will help prevent headaches. In case of bladder disorders, take appropriate precautions.

The MRI scan is also very important, both to make a definite MS diagnosis and to check the progress and effectiveness of the diseas-modifying therapy. I know some people are afraid of this, so please address it and then a sedative can be administered, for example.

And if you have just been diagnosed with MS yourself, please be aware that it can be treated quite effective nowadays and future will probably be way better than you think in the first time.

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Thanks again to the Deutsche Hirnstiftung for funding and to Dr. Insa Schifmann and Prof. Dr Christoph Heesen for creating the Multiple Sclerosis Patient Guideline.

See you soon and try to make the most of your life,

Nele

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