How to check if you have multiple sclerosis?

In most cases, the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis is based on the combination of symptoms, physical examination and certain imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain.

For example, a young adult with eye discomfort and vision loss may be examined by an ophthalmologist and diagnosed with optic neuritis. This is an inflammation of the optic nerve at the back of the eye and a common early symptom of multiple sclerosis. A brain MRI may then demonstrate multiple abnormalities (called “plaques”) in particular areas of the brain that are characteristic of multiple sclerosis.

In some cases, the diagnosis is not clear despite this evaluation and additional testing, such as lumbar puncture or spinal MRI, is recommended to confirm the diagnosis or to identify alternative explanations for the symptoms.