J Korean Neurol Assoc.  2005 Apr;23(2):143-151.

Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis

• Kim BJ
• Lee KH

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated, inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. The diagnosis mainly depends on the clinical findings and requires the integration of both clinical and paraclinical studies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Periodic adjustments in the diagnostic criteria are necessitated by changes in our understanding of disease biology, new technologies, advanced therapeutic modalities, and societal needs for accurate, reliable and early diagnosis. A recent revision of the diagnostic guidelines for MS has been published that formalized the use of MRI information along with the clinical picture. MS in Asian populations is characterized by the selective and severe involvement of the optic nerve and spinal cord as well as low prevalence rates. Although the characteristic clinical features of Asian MS, that is opticospinal MS, vary in opinion as to frequent relapses, severe disability, few brain lesions on MRI, lengthy lesions on spinal cord MRI, pleocytosis and absence of oligoclonal bands. Differential diagnosis of MS is broad. Good history and examination helps to clarify the most likely diagnoses.

Keyword

Multiple sclerosis; Diagnostic criteria; Asian; Differential diagnosis

MeSH Terms

Asian Continental Ancestry Group
Biology
Brain
Central Nervous System
Demyelinating Diseases
Diagnosis*
Diagnosis, Differential
Early Diagnosis
Humans
Leukocytosis
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Multiple Sclerosis*
Oligoclonal Bands
Optic Nerve
Prevalence
Recurrence
Spinal Cord
Oligoclonal Bands