How to Diagnose Multiple Sclerosis ? MTips

How to Diagnose Multiple Sclerosis
By Sabas Chapa
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder that has no cure at this time. The disease is characterized by numbness or weakness throughout the body,vision problems, lack of balance and fatigue. When it comes to how to diagnose multiple sclerosis, the process is easier said than done. Since there is no specific diagnostic protocol for this disease, a series of tests is typically run to rule out other reasons for the patient?s symptoms. These tests to determine a multiple sclerosis diagnosis might include blood tests, x-rays, a spinal tap and a diagnostic procedure known as an evoked potential test. A diagnosis of multiple sclerosis results when no other physical disorders are discovered throughout the testing process.

Topic To Diagnose Multiple Sclerosis:

• Diagnose Multiple Sclerosis

To Diagnose Multiple Sclerosis Difficulty:

To Diagnose Multiple Sclerosis You?ll Need:

To Diagnose Multiple Sclerosis Instructions:

• Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms and a possible multiple sclerosis diagnosis. Symptoms of concern might include numbness or weakness in limbs, double vision or loss of vision, tingling, fatigue and dizziness.
• Plan for blood tests that bring your doctor closer to a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis by ruling out other potential diseases that could be causing the symptoms. Inflammatory diseases, infections and chemical imbalances can result in similar signs, but many of these disorders can be effectively treated through medication and other treatments.
• Schedule a spinal tap with your doctor. This test involves the removal of a small sample of fluid from the spinal canal that is taken for analysis in a laboratory. The spinal tap is often a component in how to diagnose multiple sclerosis, because the fluid may show abnormalities in white blood cells or proteins that may indicate a malfunction of the body?s immune system and the presence of the disease. This test may also rule out other diseases and infections.
• Prepare for an MRI through your health care provider or local health care facility. This test, also known as magnetic resonance imaging, uses a magnet, radio waves and a computer to create an image of the brain and spinal cord. This test can be helpful in making a multiple sclerosis diagnosis because it often shows abnormalities or damage in these areas that can indicate the presence of the disease. An MRI is considered one of the best tests used to diagnose multiple sclerosis to date.
• Ask your doctor about an evoked potential test. As doctors are learning more about how to diagnose multiple sclerosis, this test is providing additional information to get an accurate determination of the disease. The procedure is painless and involves the use of visual or electrical stimuli to measure the electrical signals your body sends to your brain. These tests may be performed by your doctor, but are usually sent to a neurologist for interpretation.
• Make a follow-up appointment with your doctor once all of the tests are complete to determine whether a definitive multiple sclerosis diagnosis can be made. If your doctor can determine how to diagnose multiple sclerosis based on these tests, you will then move toward the treatment phase of the disease. This involves learning to effectively manage symptoms and slow the disease progression.

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