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How Is MS diagnosed?

Posted , 5 users are following.

rosie60552
rosie60552

Ive recently had an MRI. It said I had multiple lesions and high suspicion for MS. I also have many of the symptoms and a family history. I was wondering if anyone knew how doctor’s make a MS diagnosis. Are there more tests that will be done since the MRI was so strong? The other person in my family with MS said I definitely have it.. but my appointment to see a MS Doc is a month away. Why would they make me wait so long to tell me what the scan means?

1 like, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • patricia48825
    patricia48825 rosie60552

    Posted

    The neurologist may want a lumbar puncture carried out also.  My experience is that even if all tests are positive for MS the neurologists do not like giving an immediate diagnosis.  Apparently other diseases also give the same positive results.  I am six years down the line with no definite diagnosis although my GP says I do have MS.  Neurologist says he is not convinced.  I just keep using painkillers when I have the "attacks" and rest.    I would be very interested to hear if you do get an early positive diagnosis and perhaps we could exchange symptoms.
  • federico50856
    federico50856 rosie60552

    Posted

    I have many of your symptoms since 2006 (diagnosis), but even before of it, and I unfortunally suffer of MS...

    I think your neurologist would likely go for other test , like lumbar puncture, as they often take it as last and resolutive test for releasing a final diagnosis.

    I myself would avoid it yet , if possible. I would ask him if there are other better tests, perhaps less invasive.

    Anyway , from what you wrote about the lesions found, it is likely MS, so I would stick strictly to a good diet from now on. Many patients I know have had good results avoiding all ' trigger ' foods such as sugar,dairy,gluten, saturated fat , legumes, eggs.These foods tend to enhance inflammation in your body.  We are all unique though, and have our personal reaction to what we introduce in our body. Starting from these common triggers you have to pay focused attention to your reactions and get rid of food that are bad for you. (You will see it as a new symptom occurs, or an old symptom gets worse).

    Omega 3 supplements and vitamin D, as you wrote, are good along with minerals and Alpha Lipoic Acid.

    F.

     

  • LibraDragon64
    LibraDragon64 rosie60552

    Posted

    In the UK if you have more than one symptom, plus lesions on an MRI in the brain and/or spinal cord a neurologist will normally diagnose MS without a lumbar puncture.   It's about the full history that you give - initially I only had one recurring symptom that I was aware of.  I later discovered that I had symptoms that I didn't know were MS! When I had a bout of optic neuritis, coupled with an MRI that showed white spots in my brain, I got the diagnosis.
    • federico50856
      federico50856 LibraDragon64

      Posted

      What you say is a good thing, here in Italy we are not so advanced yet, many neurologists demand a lumbar pucture besides MRI positive tests (one is not enough) and your personal history of symptoms.

      Unfortunally all this medical work requires time and this is matter in desease like MS! As you know , each flare up may leave permanent consequences....

    • LibraDragon64
      LibraDragon64 federico50856

      Posted

      I think diagnosis in the UK is getting better.  A lot probably depends on the neurologist and the hospital too.  I attend the RVI in Newcastle upon Tyne, which has a big neurology department - it is also linked to the university.  When my first symptom, numbness in my left side down to my toes, I had an MRI scan that showed a lesion on my spinal cord.  I was told then that it was a viral infection, and I believed the consultant because he was a professor.  It took 11 years before I was able to get another MRI, which coupled with a bout of optic neuritis that coincided with the scan, led to my eventual diagnosis.  I think there are some symptoms that only MS causes, which makes it easier to diagnose in some patients.  I think in a lot of patients everything else has to be ruled out before they can be sure it is MS.  Lots of other diseases present similar symptoms.
  • rosie60552
    rosie60552

    Posted

    Thank you everyone for the answers. Yes, my GP has pretty much said it is MS, because she knows my symptoms and reviewed the MRI. I am already on an anti-inflammatory diet because of the other known autoimmune diseases that I have. I can tell that I am having autoimmune flare-ups, but until this scan I had no idea that it could be MS.

    Thank you for letting me know I may need a lumbar puncture. At least I will be prepared when I finally do see the specialist. The family member with MS suggested they might do this.. especially since i am having pain up my back, but he is not very good at describing what’s going on with him medically. A puncture sounds expensive.. and from what I can tell for you guys, painful.

    • federico50856
      federico50856 rosie60552

      Posted

      It is not the puncture itself that hurts, because they will treat your back area with a sort of pain killer in order to leave your skin surface rather numb. Moreover, if the physician or the nurse who does this puncture is really skilled, you will suffer only a little at the moment. Based on my personal experience though, pain comes after the operation: I have been suffering for 2 months for continued headaches. They told me It may occur in some patients as a classic collateral effect caused by liquor pressure variation, but It's even true that many other patients stay quite well few hours after the puncture. I have had to be still and in prone position for days. Headaches slowly ended as my body refilled the liquor they took off. It took time.

      F.

  • patricia48825
    patricia48825 rosie60552

    Posted

    Do not be afraid of a lumbar puncture.  For me an injection at the dentists was far more painful.  It was not pleasant because one of my legs started jerking like it had got an electric shock.  The doctor said he would have to stop and re-try a different area:  that was OK.  I think it is the thought of the lumbar puncture that is  worse than the actual procedure.  I am needle phobic but managed without making any fuss.  I did ask for a fan to be on me as I was very hot and uncomfortable.  Following the test I had to stay flat on the bed for an hour. 

    My test result was oligoclonal band positive.  An MRI had shown numerous lesions which had been marked as "demyelination".  I have one inflammatory lesion and a cavernoma which has calcified:  plus a small blood clot in a different area of brain altogether.  However, still I have no definite diagnosis so do not know which problem is causing my symptoms of frequent "attacks" of pain and nausea together with very clumsy gait.  Sometimes my legs wont move and I fall over but perhaps my hips are getting stuck?  I have not yet been discharged from MS team but I think I will  be soon.

    • rosie60552
      rosie60552 patricia48825

      Posted

      Thank you for the reassurance. My results also said "demyelination” most likely by MS, but I have been curious about what other conditions could cause "demyelination”. What does the lumbar puncture look for? Are there certain antibodies that can be found in the fluid? Is there a particular virus or bacteria that is related with MS? I mean.. what is the goal of the puncture?
  • LibraDragon64
    LibraDragon64 rosie60552

    Posted

    Hi Rosie,

    personally I'm unaware of any other conditions that cause demyelination.

    michele

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