Information for new patients What you can expect
	Diagnosing MS Not always an easy thing to do
	Treating MS What are your options?
	Get a 2nd opinion Be sure about your care
	Contact us Let us know how we can help
	Return home Return to the Regional MS  home page

Related links

	Doctors who can help Search for Aurora physicians that specialize in this field
	Related conditions   - Multiple sclerosis

Diagnosing MS

We use a variety of tools to properly diagnose MS:

• CT and MRI to view lesions caused by MS
• Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy to measure chemical changes in the brain
• Evoked potentials to measure the speed of nerve impulses
• Cerebrospinal fluid analysis to measure abnormal antibody production
• EEG and EMG studies

Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis is frequently difficult and sometimes takes months to pinpoint. Initial symptoms may be general in nature and come and go in a manner consistent with other disorders. Blurred vision, fatigue, dizziness, numbness or tingling in the extremities or face, muscle stiffness, aches or weakness and a host of other symptoms are possible with MS. Symptoms may worsen with overexertion or when the body becomes overheated.

A definitive diagnosis rests on 2 basic criteria:

• There must have been 2 or more attacks (typically lasting 24-48 hours each) at least 1 month apart
• There must be 1-2 "lesions" on the brain or spinal column. Lesions are damaged areas that can be seen with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT scan) or other imaging scans

A neurological exam covers various functions from mental and emotional to coordination and sensation. Electrical diagnostic tests to examine the flow of messages through the nervous system may also be performed. An electroencephalogram (EEG) may be used to record brain waves. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid tests and other laboratory tests may also be performed to rule out disorders besides MS. Sometimes a wait-and-see attitude is appropriate if the diagnosis is not definitive. Any of the tests may then be performed again at a later date.

Types of multiple sclerosis

There are several types of multiple sclerosis, including "benign," "primary progressive," "progressive relapsing," "relapsing-remitting" and "secondary progressive." Types vary by the seriousness of symptoms and how often they reoccur.

Copyright Aurora Health Care, a Wisconsin-based health care provider.
3000 W. Montana St., Milwaukee, WI 53215, (414) 647-3000
Disclaimer | Privacy notice | Contact us
.