Empowering people affected by MS to live their best lives

Multiple Sclerosis as a Possible Diagnosis

single episode of MS-like symptoms.Whatever your situation, we are here to help you — with information about MS, tips for deciding when and how to tell people about your medical issues, and whatever else you may need during this difficult time." c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">

If you have come to this page, you’re probably worrying that you or someone you care about may have multiple sclerosis. Perhaps you’ve read descriptions of MS on the internet that sounded like symptoms you are experiencing. Maybe someone else in your family has MS and you’re worried about your own chances of developing it. Perhaps you’ve been told by your doctor that you might have MS because you have experienced a single episode of MS-like symptoms.Whatever your situation, we are here to help you — with information about MS, tips for deciding when and how to tell people about your medical issues, and whatever else you may need during this difficult time.

Ask an MS Expert: Is It MS or Something Else?

Is there someone I can talk to about my situation?

Contact an MS Navigator

Get help navigating your diagnosis journey.

Why can’t the doctor tell me what’s wrong with me?

diagnosis of MS, it is not an easy disease to diagnose. There are 3 reasons for this:

There is no single test for MS.
The diagnosis cannot be made until the healthcare provider finds evidence of 2 episodes of disease activity in different locations in the central nervous system that have occurred at different points in time.
Most MS symptoms, particularly early in the disease course, can be caused by other conditions. This means your healthcare provider needs to rule out all other possible explanations.

When a provider suspects a central nervous system condition such as MS, they will do a number of tests to confirm the diagnosis. One of those tests, an MRI, can reveal areas of damage typical of MS.

Are there any treatments to help me in the meantime?

If your healthcare provider believes — based on your medical history, physical exam and test results — that you have clinically isolated syndrome and are at high risk of developing MS, there are medications that have been shown to delay the development of clinically definite MS.
If you’re experiencing symptoms that are making you uncomfortable or interfering with your everyday activities, discuss them with your healthcare provider. Many symptoms can be successfully managed even without a confirmed diagnosis.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your symptoms or the uncertainty of the diagnosis, consider talking with a counselor about it. An MS Navigator can refer you to a professional in your area for help in dealing with this difficult situation.

What should I say to my employer about my medical problems and absences from work?

Keep in mind that the information you share now may affect your employment situation in the future. Before sharing any details with your employer or colleagues, consult the employment information on our website." c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">

While criteria exist to help make an accurate diagnosis of MS, it is not an easy disease to diagnose. There are 3 reasons for this:

There is no single test for MS.
The diagnosis cannot be made until the healthcare provider finds evidence of 2 episodes of disease activity in different locations in the central nervous system that have occurred at different points in time.
Most MS symptoms, particularly early in the disease course, can be caused by other conditions. This means your healthcare provider needs to rule out all other possible explanations.

When a provider suspects a central nervous system condition such as MS, they will do a number of tests to confirm the diagnosis. One of those tests, an MRI, can reveal areas of damage typical of MS.

Are there any treatments to help me in the meantime?

If your healthcare provider believes — based on your medical history, physical exam and test results — that you have clinically isolated syndrome and are at high risk of developing MS, there are medications that have been shown to delay the development of clinically definite MS.
If you’re experiencing symptoms that are making you uncomfortable or interfering with your everyday activities, discuss them with your healthcare provider. Many symptoms can be successfully managed even without a confirmed diagnosis.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your symptoms or the uncertainty of the diagnosis, consider talking with a counselor about it. An MS Navigator can refer you to a professional in your area for help in dealing with this difficult situation.

What should I say to my employer about my medical problems and absences from work?

diagnosis of MS, it is not an easy disease to diagnose. There are 3 reasons for this:

There is no single test for MS.
The diagnosis cannot be made until the healthcare provider finds evidence of 2 episodes of disease activity in different locations in the central nervous system that have occurred at different points in time.
Most MS symptoms, particularly early in the disease course, can be caused by other conditions. This means your healthcare provider needs to rule out all other possible explanations.

When a provider suspects a central nervous system condition such as MS, they will do a number of tests to confirm the diagnosis. One of those tests, an MRI, can reveal areas of damage typical of MS.

Are there any treatments to help me in the meantime?

If your healthcare provider believes — based on your medical history, physical exam and test results — that you have clinically isolated syndrome and are at high risk of developing MS, there are medications that have been shown to delay the development of clinically definite MS.
If you’re experiencing symptoms that are making you uncomfortable or interfering with your everyday activities, discuss them with your healthcare provider. Many symptoms can be successfully managed even without a confirmed diagnosis.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your symptoms or the uncertainty of the diagnosis, consider talking with a counselor about it. An MS Navigator can refer you to a professional in your area for help in dealing with this difficult situation.

What should I say to my employer about my medical problems and absences from work?

While criteria exist to help make an accurate diagnosis of MS, it is not an easy disease to diagnose. There are 3 reasons for this:

There is no single test for MS.
The diagnosis cannot be made until the healthcare provider finds evidence of 2 episodes of disease activity in different locations in the central nervous system that have occurred at different points in time.
Most MS symptoms, particularly early in the disease course, can be caused by other conditions. This means your healthcare provider needs to rule out all other possible explanations.

When a provider suspects a central nervous system condition such as MS, they will do a number of tests to confirm the diagnosis. One of those tests, an MRI, can reveal areas of damage typical of MS.

Are there any treatments to help me in the meantime?

If your healthcare provider believes — based on your medical history, physical exam and test results — that you have clinically isolated syndrome and are at high risk of developing MS, there are medications that have been shown to delay the development of clinically definite MS.
If you’re experiencing symptoms that are making you uncomfortable or interfering with your everyday activities, discuss them with your healthcare provider. Many symptoms can be successfully managed even without a confirmed diagnosis.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your symptoms or the uncertainty of the diagnosis, consider talking with a counselor about it. An MS Navigator can refer you to a professional in your area for help in dealing with this difficult situation.

Possible Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis as a Possible Diagnosis

Is there someone I can talk to about my situation?

Why can’t the doctor tell me what’s wrong with me?