NeuroCare Brain & Spine Center

Diagnosis

The experts at Aurora BayCare Medical Center use a variety of tools to properly diagnose MS:

  • CT and MRI to view lesions caused by MS
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy to measure chemical changes in the brain
  • Evoked potentials to measure the speed of nerve impulses
  • Cerebrospinal fluid analysis to measure abnormal antibody production EMG studies
  • Neuropsychology evalauation
  • Urology consultation
  • Blood tests to rule out other diagnoses

Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis is frequently difficult and sometimes takes months to pinpoint. Initial symptoms may be general in nature and come and go in a manner consistent with other disorders. Blurred vision, fatigue, dizziness, numbness or tingling in the extremities or face, muscle stiffness, aches or weakness and a host of other symptoms are possible with MS. Symptoms may worsen with overexertion or when the body becomes overheated.

A more definitive diagnosis rests on 2 basic criteria: (there is no definitive test for diagnosis)

  • There must have been 2 or more attacks (typically lasting 24-48 hours each) at least 1 month apart
  • There must be 1-2 "lesions" on the brain or spinal column. Lesions are damaged areas that can be seen with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT scan) or other imaging scans

A neurological exam covers various functions from mental and emotional to coordination and sensation. Electrical diagnostic tests to examine the flow of messages through the nervous system may also be performed.