At this time, there is no definite laboratory tests nor physical findings and symptoms to determine if a person has Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Therefore several strategies have been developed to determine whether the patient meets the long term criteria for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and further other possible causes to the symptoms the person is experiencing should also be ruled out.
MRI - BRAIN or SPINAL CORD
It may help to take a deeper look at inflammation of deeper parts of the brain or spinal cord which are the alarming factor for the condition. Also an MRI with a normal findings does not absolutely rule out Multiple Sclerosis (MS). As according to a recent study about 5% of people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) does not have lesions in the brain. They may have them in places which are not detectable by scan.
SPINAL TAP
A spinal tap study looks closely at the cerebrospinal fluid, higher levels of protein or any other substances that are signs of the disease. But it does not comes under the confirmatory test for Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
EVOKED POTENTIALS
It is the confirmatory tests done by electrical tests of your nerves which help you see, hear and feel. Wires are placed over the scalp to test the brain's response to electrical pulses and the pattern viewed over a monitor.
