MRIs often miss disease activity, and lumbar punctures are invasive. A blood test that can detect nerve damage is awaiting FDA approval.
Diagnosing multiple sclerosis (MS) can be complicated, and sometimes the diagnosis takes a long time — it took me 13 years to reach an answer.
There’s no one test that can diagnose every case of MS. Doctors have relied on the McDonald criteria for diagnosis since 2001. A revision to these criteria in 2017 enables doctors to diagnose MS earlier in the disease process, allowing treatment to begin sooner.
Currently, doctors use MRI to determine if patients fulfill the McDonald criteria for MS. They look for lesions in the brain and spinal cord that occur in multiple areas and at separate times.
But this isn’t always sufficient. The neurologist who finally diagnosed me explained that I likely had tiny lesions — too small to be seen on MRI — which is why my diagnosis took so long.
Disclaimer: Content on our site is provided for information purposes only; therefore, this material is not intended to advise. This information includes a link to a site that is maintained by another; MS Monterey is not responsible for content on this site. Please remember to consult with your doctor or health care provider before making any changes to your medication(s) or medical regimen.