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Determining the type of multiple sclerosis (MS) involves several diagnostic tools and tests, including:
- Brain MRI: This is a key tool. MRI scans can show the location, extent, and number of lesions on the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. They can differentiate between current inflammation, newer lesions, and older Show Full Answer
For me, my neurologists (and I've had many) determine what stage of MS you have by the number of relapses you may have, the severity of them, the state of your physical function, the severity of your dysfunction, the speed of worsening symptoms, and of course MRI history to compare old MRIs to new ones to see if you have new and/or active lesions and how many. I hope that helped a little.
I was diagnosed with MS in March of 2021. My mother still asks me how my neurologists came to the conclusion that I had RRMS. I always explain that I had my first symptoms in January and also a relapse in January of that same year; but since I've been on DMTs, I've had no relapses nor any progressive dysfunction, and MRIs have showed no new or active lesions, so by that they pretty much rule out a progressive form of MS.
How do they determine what kind of MS you have? I see the MS specialist for the first time on Feb 3.
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