How to Diagnose MS Symptoms

There isn't one single test that can be administered to determine if an individual has multiple sclerosis. However, there is a set of standard tests that can be used to increase the likelihood of determining a patient's MS status. According to WebMD, as many as 10 percent of diagnosed MS cases are actually not MS at all. For this reason, it's important that any tests you take are taken in the presence of a neurologist.

Instructions

Diagnosing MS Symptoms

• 1

  Determine If you fall into the typical age bracket, which is 20 to 50 years old.

• 2

  Look for symptoms that would affect the brain or spinal cord. Do you have uncontrolled shaking, bladder issues, bowel issues, random loss of balance or difficultly walking, or vision problems? These can all be signs of MS.

• 3

  Partake in a neurological exam, which are performed by a neurologist and consist of steps that test your body's reactions to different stimuli. There are many different tests that can be performed, depending on the neurologist you visit.

• 4

  Use an MRI. Obviously, you can't perform this task on your own; however, a trained doctor will typically have you on an MRI machine for up to 90 minutes to diagnose any brain or spinal cord issues associated with MS. If lesions or plaque is discovered, it could be a sign of MS.

• 5

  Authorize a spinal tap or lumbar puncture. In this process, spinal fluid will be withdrawn to determine if you have myelin-like protein in their body, a good indicator of multiple sclerosis.

• 6

  Undergo evoked potential tests. These tests using auditory, visual and sensory cues to determine the likelihood of MS. For the auditory test, the patient listens for a series of left and right clicks through headphones. The visual test includes a checkered pattern in front of the patient, whereas the sensory test actually uses a series of electrical shocks that are administered to the arms or legs. Your neurologist uses the results of these tests to help determine your likelihood of having MS.