MS can only be diagnosed by a neurologist. Your GP will refer you to a neurologist if they feel your symptoms fit the framework for MS. Once you are under the care of a neurologist and receive a diagnosis of MS you will have access to an MS specialist nurse who will become your first port of call for any MS queries.
It can be difficult to diagnose MS as symptoms are so varied however your neurologist will discuss your symptoms, timings, your general health history and may perform an MRI scan or lumbar puncture to gather more information; diagnosis is made following the consolidation of these findings and can take many months. None of these tests are conclusive on their own but all add to the general body of evidence in constructing a diagnosis.
It can be reassuring to finally have a diagnosis of MS if you have been suffering with strange symptoms for a while however neurologists will not make an MS diagnosis lightly or if there is any chance they may be incorrect; it's not something that can be taken back once it's been said so it pays to be absolutely sure.
It can be difficult to diagnose MS as symptoms are so varied however your neurologist will discuss your symptoms, timings, your general health history and may perform an MRI scan or lumbar puncture to gather more information; diagnosis is made following the consolidation of these findings and can take many months. None of these tests are conclusive on their own but all add to the general body of evidence in constructing a diagnosis.
It can be reassuring to finally have a diagnosis of MS if you have been suffering with strange symptoms for a while however neurologists will not make an MS diagnosis lightly or if there is any chance they may be incorrect; it's not something that can be taken back once it's been said so it pays to be absolutely sure.
Sources:
MS Society (2016) Diagnosis
MS Trust (2016) A-Z of MS: diagnosis
NHS Choices (2016) Multiple Sclerosis: diagnosis
MS Society (2016) Diagnosis
MS Trust (2016) A-Z of MS: diagnosis
NHS Choices (2016) Multiple Sclerosis: diagnosis
