Innovations in imaging and continued research have led to improvements
in diagnosing MS. Here are the most recent guidelines
in diagnosing MS. Here are the most recent guidelines
Doctors may have to repeat diagnostic tests for MS several times
before they can confirm the diagnosis. This is because MS symptoms can change.
They may diagnose someone with MS if testing points to the following criteria:
before they can confirm the diagnosis. This is because MS symptoms can change.
They may diagnose someone with MS if testing points to the following criteria:
- Signs and symptoms indicate there’s damage to the
myelin in the CNS. - The doctor has identified at least two or more lesions
in two or more parts of the CNS via an MRI. - There’s evidence based on a physical exam that the CNS
has been affected. - A person has had two or more episodes of affected
neurological function for at least one day, and they occurred a month
apart. Or, a person’s symptoms have progressed over the course of one
year. - The doctor can’t find any other explanation for the
person’s symptoms.
Diagnostic criteria have changed over the years and will likely
continue to change as new technology and research comes along.
continue to change as new technology and research comes along.
The most recent accepted criteria were published in 2017 as the
revised McDonald Criteria.Trusted Source The International Panel
on the Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis released these criteria.
revised McDonald Criteria.Trusted Source The International Panel
on the Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis released these criteria.
One of the more recent innovations in diagnosing MS is a tool
called optical coherence tomography (OCT). This tool allows a doctor to obtain
images of a person’s optical nerve. The test is painless and is much like
taking a picture of your eye.
called optical coherence tomography (OCT). This tool allows a doctor to obtain
images of a person’s optical nerve. The test is painless and is much like
taking a picture of your eye.
Doctors know that people with MS tend to have optic nerves that
look different from people who don’t have the disease. OCT also allows a doctor
to track a person’s eye health by looking at the optic nerve.
look different from people who don’t have the disease. OCT also allows a doctor
to track a person’s eye health by looking at the optic nerve.
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