[Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis]

Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis is based on detection of a disseminated demyelinating inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system with a progressive course and(or) exacerbations. Essential data is obtained by study of the cerebrospinal fluid and magnetic resonance imaging. Other causes of white matter disorders (vascular, compressive or tumoral) are less important in differential diagnosis than are other monophasic demyelinating inflammatory disorders, such as acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, idiopathic optic neuritis and idiopathic myelitis.