Testing for MS

By asking questions about past symptoms and problems, a neurologist can better understand a patient’s current symptoms and any associated physical issues.

A physical examination usually accompanies this ‘history-taking’ session. If there are changes or weaknesses in eye movements, leg or hand coordination, balance, sensation, speech, or reflexes, a neurologist may strongly suspect MS at this stage; however, a diagnosis won’t be given until other test results confirm MS.

Using a strong magnetic field to create a detailed image of the brain and spinal cord, an MRI shows the exact location and size of any damage or scarring (lesions).

Recently, more powerful MRI techniques have been used to study inflammation and tissue damage in regions of the brain and are being developed for use in the diagnosis of MS.

This painless procedure involves measuring the time it takes for the brain to receive messages from the eyes, using small electrodes attached to the patient’s head to monitor brain waves as visual stimuli are presented on a screen.

If MS or a similar condition is active, messages to and from the brain will be detected, traveling more slowly than usual.

By inserting a needle into the space around the spinal cord, under local anesthetic, a neurologist will draw a small sample of ‘cerebrospinal fluid’ - the liquid that flows around the brain and spinal cord. Once drawn, the fluid will be tested in a laboratory for abnormalities that occur in MS, and, in some cases, the fluid pressure will also be measured.

Scientists are also identifying biological indicators, or ‘biomarkers,’ in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid, which can be used to diagnose or monitor the condition.