The list of diagnostic tests mentioned in various sources as used in the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis includes:
These home medical tests may be relevant to Multiple Sclerosis:
Physicians use a neurological examination and take a medical history when they suspect MS. Imaging technologies such as MRI, which provides an anatomical picture of lesions, and MRS (magnetic resonance spectroscopy), which yields information about the biochemistry of the brain. Physicians also may study patients' cerebrospinal fluid and an antibody called immunoglobulin G. No single test unequivocally detects MS. A number of other diseases produce symptoms similar to those seen in MS. (Source: excerpt from NINDS Multiple Sclerosis Information Page: NINDS)
The following medical news items are relevant to diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis:
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This presentation is marked by multiple vague complaints, symptoms out of proportion to the physical findings, symptoms outside the anticipated spectrum of the organic disease, and symptoms that do not follow anatomic distributions. The patient is often more concerned with the physician accepting authenticity of symptoms than relieving them. Vague, diffuse descriptions or overly detailed and elaborate symptoms are suggestive. The patient seems to be amplifying normal bodily sensations. Psychological factors may be revealed in the symbolic choice of words (e.g., “lump in the throat”).
“Stress” for most patients is an acceptable framework within which to obtain psychological information. Care must be taken during the interview not to suggest that the symptoms are “all in the head.”
A thorough and thoughtful history and physical examination are the basis for chosing specific diagnostic tests, and signal to the patient that the complaints are being taken seriously.
Source: Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis, 2007
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