Diagnostic Categories of MS
SOURCE:
MRI & Poser Criteria
David H. Miller MB, ChB, MD, FRACP
Institute of Neurology, MS NMR Research Unit, London, UK
No one test can identify or rule out multiple
sclerosis. This means that ultimately a doctor will
diagnose MS by a combination of observing a person’s
symptoms, and ruling out other possibilities. This is
called a ‘clinical diagnosis’.
An MS diagnosis usually begins with a complete
neurological examination and a discussion of your full
medical history with your healthcare provider. He or she
will need an overall view of your health, including your
symptoms and when they started. However, it may still be
difficult, if not impossible, to confirm the presence of
multiple sclerosis without using certain procedures.
Many healthcare providers use magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) to help diagnose MS at an early stage by providing
a detailed picture of the brain. Early diagnosis means
that treatment can begin right away, rather than waiting
for continued relapses to confirm diagnosis.
Other tests for multiple sclerosis may include:
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Evoked potential tests, which measure how a
person’s nervous system responds to certain
stimulation.
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Your healthcare provider will determine which test
is best suited for the type of symptoms you have.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) can cause a wide range of
symptoms. Some problems occur often, and some are seldom
seen. The course of illness is different for each
person. Even when there are no symptoms, there is
progression of damage to the central nervous system over
time. That’s why it is important to stay on your MS
treatment. Common MS symptoms are:
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Vision disturbances
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Loss of muscle strength in arms and legs
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Change in sense of touch
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Sexual
dysfunction |
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Balance/coordination problems
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Changes in cognitive function
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Mood changes
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Talk with your healthcare provider about the best
treatment option for you.
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Definite MS:
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Consistent course (The following forms are the four
Internationally recognized forms of
Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS))
with at least 2 bouts, separated by at least 1 month; or
slow, stepwise
Progressive
course for at least 6 months
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Documented Neurologic
Signs of
Lesions in more than one area (Functional System) of
brain or
spinal cord
white matter
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Onset of
symptoms
between 10 and 50 years of age
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Absence of other more likely Neurologic explanation
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Probable MS:
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History of Relapsing/Remitting Symptoms
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Signs not documented and only one current Sign, commonly
associated with MS
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Documented single bout of Symptoms with Signs, of more
than one White Matter Lesion
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Good recovery, then variable Symptoms and
Signs
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Absence of other more likely Neurologic explanation
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Possible MS:
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History of Relapsing/Remitting Symptoms
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No documentation of Signs establishing more than one
White Matter Lesion
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Absence of other more likely Neurologic explanation
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