A Guide to Common Neurological Examinations
Other tests
After the clinical examination the neurologist may feel confident that you have MS, but laboratory evidence is required to support the clinical findings enabling the neurologist to give a definite diagnosis.
If available also Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is performed.
The following tests may be performed:
Examination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
CSF analysis involves taking a sample of the fluid from around the spinal cord during a lumbar puncture and testing it for the presence of an excess number of white blood cells (immune cells) or raised levels of proteins (antibodies), both of which are not normally found in the CSF. The presence of oligoclonal bands is a hallmark of MS, and is seen in most patients, but may also be seen in meningitis patients. This test is not performed in all countries.
Evoked potentials
Evoked potentials measure the time it takes for the brain to receive and interpret messages. They can measure auditory, visual or somatosensory inputs. This procedure, although non-invasive and painless, measures the electrical activity of the brain via electrodes that are placed at certain areas on your scalp. This technique is not performed in every country and has become less important since the introduction of MRI.
