Multiple Sclerosis (MS) : Tests

Symptoms of MS may mimic many other neurologic disorders. Diagnosis is made by ruling out other conditions. A history of at least two attacks separated by a period of reduced or no symptoms may be a sign of relapsing-remitting MS. If the health ca...

In order to determine whether or not a patient has multiple sclerosis, doctors often rely on the Schumacher criteria: Patient's symptoms indicate neurological damage in more than one areas. Patient's symptoms have worsened for more than six months...

Because there is no definitive test that can identify or rule out MS, and the symptoms of MS mimic a number of other diseases, a combination of tests or procedures is required to diagnose the disease. Moreover, for some people (about 10–15%)...

There is no single test that confirms the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, and there are a number of other diseases with similar symptoms. While one person's diagnosis may be immediately suggested by her symptoms and history, another's may not be ...

MS diagnosis is based upon an individual's history of clinical symptoms and neurological examination. A qualified physician, often a neurologist, must thoroughly review all symptoms experienced by an individual to suspect MS. Other conditions with...

There is no single test that confirms the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and there are a number of other diseases with similar symptoms. While one person's diagnosis may be immediately suggested by symptoms and history, another's may not be confi...

A standard ophthalmic exam is a series of tests performed by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor). An optometric or eye exam may also be performed by an optometrist. The tests measure the refraction (need for glasses) and visual acuity of the eye and check for disease. (See also Refraction test .)

An eye examination is a series of tests performed by an ophthalmologist or an optometrist to determine if there are any pre-existing or potential problems with a patient's vision . Purpose Eye examinations measure a person's ocular health and visual status, in order to detect abnormalities in the components of the visual system, and to determine how well the person can see.

Detailed information on eye examinations and at what age they are recommended

Detailed information on eye examinations in children

Detailed information on eye examinations in children

This is a test performed on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the clear fluid that circulates in the space surrounding the spinal cord and brain. The CSF contains substances that may be markers for disease. Oligoclonal bands are immunoglobulins that suggest inflammation of the central nervous system. The presence of oligoclonal bands may be a sign of multiple sclerosis.

Lumbar puncture (LP) is the technique of using a needle to withdraw cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the spinal canal. CSF is the clear, watery liquid that protects the central nervous system from injury and cushions it from the surrounding bone structure.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is a laboratory test to examine a sample of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This fluid is a clear, watery liquid that protects the central nervous system from injury and cushions it from the surrounding bone structure.

During a physical examination, a health care provider studies a patient's body to determine the presence or absence of physical problems. A typical physical examination includes: Inspection (looking at the body) Palpation (feeling the body with hands) Auscultation (listening to sounds) Percussion (producing sounds)

An MRI of the head is a non-invasive procedure that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to construct clear, detailed pictures of brain tissues. Unlike conventional radiography and computed tomography (CT), which make use of potentially harmful x-rays passing through a patient to generate images, MRI imaging is based on the magnetic properties of atoms. A powerful magnet generates a magnetic field roughly 10,000 times stronger than the Earth's. A very small percentage of hydrogen atoms within the body will align with this field. The "nuclear" in the original name (nuclear magnetic resonance imaging) -- now seldom used -- refers to the proton in the nucleus of the hydrogen atom and does not imply radioactivity. When focused short radio wave pulses are broadcast towards the aligned hydrogen atoms in tissues of interest, they will return a signal of their own. The subtle differences in that signal from dissimilar tissues enables the MRI to differentiate between various organs, and potentially, provide contrast between benign and malignant (cancerous) tissue. Any imaging plane, or slice, can be projected, and then stored in a computer or printed on film. MRI is easily performed through clothing and bones. However, certain types of metal in or around the area of interest can cause significant errors in the reconstructed images. These errors are called artifacts.

Detailed information on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including information on how the procedure is performed

Magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI ) of the spine is a noninvasive procedure that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the components that make up the spine -- the vertabrae (spine bones), the spinal cord, and the spaces between the vertebrae through which the nerves travel. Unlike conventional radiography and CT imaging, which uses radiation ( X-rays ) passing through a patient to generate images, MRI is based on the magnetic properties of atoms. MRI scans differentiate between organs, and potentially, provide contrast between benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) tissue. Any of the images collected can be stored in a computer or printed on film. MRI can easily be performed through clothing and bones. Certain types of metal, however, in or around the area under investigation can cause significant errors, called artifacts, in the images.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) is a test that lets your doctor see detailed pictures of the inside of your body. MRI combines the use of strong magnets and radio waves to form an MRI image.Before Your TestMRI uses ...

A neurological examination is an essential component of a comprehensive physical examination . It is a systematic examination that surveys the functioning of nerves delivering sensory information to the brain and caring motor commands (Peripheral nervous system) and impulses back to the brain for processing and coordinating (Central nervous system).

Ophthalmoscopy is an examination of the back part of the eyeball (fundus), which includes the retina , optic disc, choroid , and blood vessels.

The visual field is the total area in which objects can be seen in the peripheral vision while the eye is focused on a central point.