Clinical Exam Includes History and Tests of Function

During the clinical examination, the physician takes a careful history to identify any past events that might be indicative of MS-related disease activity, and performs a variety of tests. These tests evaluate mental, emotional, and language functions, movement and coordination, vision, balance, and the functions of the five senses. Sex, birthplace, family history, and age of the person when symptoms first began are also taken into consideration.

Other Tests Are Needed Sometimes

It is not usually necessary to do all diagnostic tests for every patient. If, however, a clear-cut diagnosis cannot be made based on the tests above, additional tests may be ordered. These include tests of evoked potentials, cerebrospinal fluid, and blood.

Evoked potential tests are electrical diagnostic studies that can show if there is a slowing of nerve transmissions (messages) in various parts of the brain. They often provide evidence of scarring along nerve pathways that is not apparent on a neurological exam. Cerebrospinal fluid, sampled by a spinal tap, is tested for levels of certain immune system proteins and for the presence of oligoclonal bands. These bands indicate an immune response within the CNS. Oligoclonal bands are found in the spinal fluid of about 90-95% of people with MS. Since, however, they are present in other diseases as well, oligoclonal bands cannot be relied on as positive proof of MS.

While there is no definitive blood test for MS, blood tests can rule out other causes for various neurological symptoms.

*From The MS Information Sourcebook produced by the Information Resource Center and Library of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

© Copyright the MS Society, Calgary Chapter.  All rights reserved.