What Is MS?
6. Diagnosis
MS can generally be diagnosed based on the patients signs and symptoms along with supporting investigations such as blood tests and medical imaging. In the early stages of the disease, it can be difficult as it can resemble many other conditions. The McDonald criteria is the commonest method used for diagnosis.
Some investigations that may be beneficial are neuroimaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In the MRI, gadolinium can be administered to highlight plaques. The CSF analysis can confirm the presence of chronic inflammation due to the presence of oligoclonal bands of IgG found in 75% to 85% of MS patients. The results of blood tests from MS patients are generally normal.
Advertisement
