Multiple Sclerosis

Diagnosis

Blood tests, to help rule out infectious or inflammatory diseases with symptoms similar to MS.

Spinal tap (lumbar puncture), in which a small sample of fluid is removed from your spinal canal for laboratory analysis. This sample can show abnormalities in white blood cells or antibodies that are associated with MS. Spinal tap can also help rule out viral infections and other conditions with symptoms similar to MS.

MRI, which can reveal areas of MS (lesions) on your brain and spinal cord. You may receive an intravenous dye to highlight lesions that indicate your disease is in an active phase.

Evoked potential tests, These tests record the electrical signals produced by your nervous system in response to stimuli. An evoked potential test may use visual stimuli or electrical stimuli, in which you watch a moving visual pattern or short electrical impulses are applied to nerves in your legs or arms. Electrodes measure how quickly the information travels down your nerve pathways.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis vary, depending on the location of affected nerve fibers. MS signs and symptoms may include:

Numbness or weakness in one or more limbs that typically occurs on one side of your body at a time, or the legs and trunk

Partial or complete loss of vision, usually in one eye at a time, often with pain during eye movement

Double vision or blurring of vision

Tingling or pain in parts of your body

Electric-shock sensations that occur with certain neck movements, especially bending the neck forward

Tremor, lack of coordination or unsteady gait

Slurred speech

Fatigue

Dizziness

Problems with bowel and bladder function

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-sclerosis/basics/tests-diagnosis/con-20026689

Mayo Clinic. Diseases and Conditions. Multiple sclerosis. By Mayo Clinic Staff.

Brochure

Diagnosis

Spinal tap, small sample of fluid removed from your spinal canal for laboratory analysis. This...