How long diagnosis ms

MS is usually diagnosed following at least one episode of neurological symptoms known as a first demyelinating event , together with MRI scan results that indicate both new and old lesions in the brain or spinal cord.

A number of recent studies have suggested that people with MS may also show increased use of health services in the years before a clearly defined first neurological episode, suggesting that there might be additional warning signs for the onset of MS. Now, Canadian researchers have conducted a large study to more clearly demonstrate this and define the signs and symptoms that might be associated with an impending MS diagnosis. The researchers, based at the University of British Columbia and led by Professor Helen Tremlett, examined the health records of nearly 14, people with MS from four Canadian provinces between and and compared them to the health records of nearly 67, people who did not have a diagnosis of MS.

The results, recently published in the Multiple Sclerosis Journal , showed that, in the five years before a first demyelinating event, people with a diagnosis of MS had attended hospital or visited a doctor more frequently than those without MS. The visits involved symptoms of the nervous, sensory, musculoskeletal and urinary systems of the body.

A diagnosis of MS is most secure if there is more than one kind of evidence, currently that includes combining clinical tests, MRI scans and lumbar punctures.

Unless all of these signs are very clearly pointing to a classical diagnosis of MS, doctors may hold off on making a diagnosis until further tests or follow-up brain scans can provide more evidence. Misdiagnosing MS could put patients at risk from the side-effects of MS drugs unnecessarily, not to mention the worry and stress that can come with a diagnosis of a chronic illness.

Clinicians still need to use their judgement, particularly when diagnosing MS in children or population groups where MS is less common. Globally, there are continuing research efforts to help clinicians arrive at a diagnosis of MS as quickly and accurately as possible.

MRI scanning and analysis techniques are constantly being improved. But the Holy Grail is a blood test that could swiftly confirm a diagnosis of MS.

To date, while many markers in the blood have been examined and some have shown promise, there is no single blood test that can confirm MS. In addition to the research mentioned above, other Australian researchers with early funding support from MS Research Australia, have developed a blood test that can distinguish between the different types of MS relapsing or progressive.

However, the markers used in the blood test might also be present in other types of neurological diseases, and it will still need to be combined with other tests such as MRI to confirm a diagnosis of MS. Further research is needed in this area to see if it can be used in the clinic to identify the type of MS. More research is ongoing, which we hope will ultimately lead to a world in which MS can be identified quickly and easily, leading to its optimal treatment and management, minimising the impact of MS for everyone.

How is MS diagnosed? The complexity of MS. Methods of diagnosis. Clinically isolated syndrome CIS. Radiologically isolated syndrome RIS. Other conditions with similar symptoms.

If the McDonald criteria are not met, maybe because there has only been one bout of neurological symptoms lasting at least 24hrs and only a few current lesions on the MRI scan, then the individual may be diagnosed with CIS. If more lesions appear at a later date in brain scans, or another relapse or attack of symptoms is experienced, then the individual may then be diagnosed with MS. These can also produce neurological symptoms, can show lesions in the brain MRI scan and can also produce oligoclonal bands in the CSF.

Very careful analysis of the appearance of the lesions, additional blood tests or tissue biopsies and additional physical tests can help narrow down the potential diagnosis. Examples include: Severe migraine People who have severe migraines are among the most common group to be misdiagnosed with MS, as their symptoms can mimic those of MS, and in some cases there may be white lesions visible in their brain scans.

The doctor uses several strategies to determine if a person meets the long-established criteria for a diagnosis of MS and to rule out other possible causes of whatever symptoms the person is experiencing.

These strategies include a careful medical history, a neurologic exam and various tests, including magnetic resonance imaging MRI , evoked potentials EP and spinal fluid analysis. In order to make a diagnosis of MS, the physician must:. In , the International Panel on the Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis updated the criteria to include specific guidelines for using magnetic resonance imaging MRI , visual evoked potentials VEP and cerebrospinal fluid analysis to speed the diagnostic process.

These tests can be used to look for a second area of damage in a person who has experienced only one attack also called a Relapse Sudden deterioration of current symptoms or development of new symptoms resulting from an area of active inflammation in the CNS in MS.

The criteria were further revised in and now referred to as The Revised McDonald Criteria to make the process even easier and more efficient. At this stage the MacDonald Criteria is still recognised as the most valid diagnostic process. Medical History and Neurologic Exam The physician takes a careful history to identify any past or present symptoms that might be caused by MS and to gather information about birthplace, family history and places traveled that might provide further clues.

The physician also performs a variety of tests to evaluate mental, emotional and language functions, movement and coordination , balance, vision, and the other four senses. To assist your Neurologist we recommend keeping a record of your symptoms to provide the most comprehensive history at your appointment.

A Health Passport can be useful or a diary. You should also ensure that you visit your GP with each presenting Symptom A subjectively perceived problem or complaint reported by the patient. It can also differentiate old lesions from those that are new or active.

And even people without any disease — particularly the elderly — can have spots on the brain that are similar to those seen in MS.

However, the longer a person goes without brain or spinal cord lesions on MRI, the more important it becomes to look for other possible diagnoses.