Clinical presentation and diagnosis of multiple sclerosis

The diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is through clinical assessment and supported by investigations. There is no single accurate and reliable diagnostic test. MS is a disease of young adults with a female predominance. There are characteristic clinical presentations based on the areas of the central nervous system involved, for example optic nerve, brainstem and spinal cord. The main pattern of MS at onset is relapsing-remitting with clinical attacks of neurological dysfunction lasting at least 24 hours. The differential diagnosis includes other inflammatory central nervous system disorders. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and lumbar puncture are the key investigations. New diagnostic criteria have been developed to allow an earlier diagnosis and thus access to effective disease modifying treatments.