How Is Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosed?

Diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis

At this time, no symptoms, physical findings or laboratory tests can, by themselves, prove that you have multiple sclerosis. To make an MS diagnosis, the physician must:

Find evidence of damage in at least two separate areas of the central nervous system. The central nervous system includes the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.
Find evidence that the damage occurred at different points in time (dissemination in time).
Rule out all other possible diagnoses.

This is the long-established criteria for an MS diagnosis. The McDonald Criteria spells out these criteria and the guidelines for establishing them. The International Panel on the Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis published this in 2017.

Diagnosing MS

Tools for Diagnosing MS

Doctors may use many methods to decide if you meet the criteria for an MS diagnosis, including:

Your detailed medical history including past or present symptoms, family history, etc.
A neurologic exam testing:
- Vision
- Hearing
- Strength
- Walking
- Balance
Blood tests to rule out other conditions that cause symptoms similar to MS
Cerebrospinal fluid analysis (CSF), or spinal tap, is used to look for a group of proteins called oligoclonal bands. They may use this analysis instead of dissemination in time. It is important to know that an abnormal immune response in the CSF is found in other diseases, so the test is not specific for MS. In people with a confirmed diagnosis of MS, 5%-10% do not show abnormalities in the CSF. Therefore, CSF analysis by itself cannot confirm or exclude an MS diagnosis.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to examine the brain, spinal cord and other areas of the body. An MRI can be useful in the diagnostic process. MRI is a diagnostic tool that offers the most sensitive, noninvasive way to examine the brain, spinal cord or other areas of the body. It is a valuable tool for diagnosing MS and tracking the progression of the disease.

Doctors may use many methods to decide if you meet the criteria for an MS diagnosis, including:

Your detailed medical history including past or present symptoms, family history, etc.
A neurologic exam testing:
- Vision
- Hearing
- Strength
- Walking
- Balance
Blood tests to rule out other conditions that cause symptoms similar to MS
Cerebrospinal fluid analysis (CSF), or spinal tap, is used to look for a group of proteins called oligoclonal bands. They may use this analysis instead of dissemination in time. It is important to know that an abnormal immune response in the CSF is found in other diseases, so the test is not specific for MS. In people with a confirmed diagnosis of MS, 5%-10% do not show abnormalities in the CSF. Therefore, CSF analysis by itself cannot confirm or exclude an MS diagnosis.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to examine the brain, spinal cord and other areas of the body. An MRI can be useful in the diagnostic process. MRI is a diagnostic tool that offers the most sensitive, noninvasive way to examine the brain, spinal cord or other areas of the body. It is a valuable tool for diagnosing MS and tracking the progression of the disease.

Multiple Sclerosis as a Possible Diagnosis

A definitive MS diagnosis can take time — and patience. Wherever you are in the process, we are here to help.

When To Expect a Diagnosis

To diagnose MS, healthcare providers must first exclude other causes. They do this using the tools and tests outlined above. This process of exclusion may be quick for some. More often, it can take much longer and involve repeat testing to look for changes.Diagnosing MS as quickly and accurately as possible is important for several reasons:

You are living with frightening and uncomfortable symptoms. You need to know the reason for your discomfort. Getting the diagnosis allows you to begin the adjustment process and relieves worries about other diseases.
We now know that permanent neurologic damage can occur even in the earliest stages of MS. Confirming the diagnosis enables you to start the appropriate treatment as early as possible.

Find an MS Care Provider

If you need to find a healthcare provider, our Find Doctors and Resources tool can help. In your search results, look for the Partners in MS Care logo. Partners in MS Care are healthcare providers. They have shown expertise in treating people with MS. These providers have a relationship with us that helps connect their patients to what they need to help them live their best lives.

You are living with frightening and uncomfortable symptoms. You need to know the reason for your discomfort. Getting the diagnosis allows you to begin the adjustment process and relieves worries about other diseases.
We now know that permanent neurologic damage can occur even in the earliest stages of MS. Confirming the diagnosis enables you to start the appropriate treatment as early as possible.

How MS Is Diagnosed

Diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis

Tools for Diagnosing MS

When To Expect a Diagnosis