MS diagnosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) can cause lots of different symptoms, but it usually has a very characteristic clinical presentation as outlined on the following page:
An MRI scan of brain and cervical spine is the key investigation and a normal scan effectively rules out MS.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is sometimes tested with a lumbar puncture to look for related conditions, or if there is some uncertainty following an MRI scan. In the latter case we are looking for oligoclonal bands, which are a sensitive marker for MS but can be found in lots of other situations, so are not diagnostic on their own. Most people don't need this.
Somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) and visual evoked potential (VEP) electrical tests are done if there is still some uncertainty after an MRI scan. Most people don't need them.
MS symptoms
- Blurred vision or loss of vision in one or both eyes (optic neuritis)
- Weakness and/or numbness in one or more limbs, usually caused by inflammation of the spine (transverse myelitis)
- Double vision relieved by closing one eye (ophthalmoplegia)
- Balance or co-ordination problems (ataxia)
- Slurred speech (dysrthria)
- Fatigue – this is often the most difficult
Last reviewed: 05 September 2024
