Doctors learn how to diagnose Multiple Sclerosis through using a series of tests. Each test is designed to rule out other diseases, as opposed to diagnosing only MS. There is yet to be a single test created to identify MS in patients. The doctor will first collect information about your medical background and details on any symptoms you’ve been experiencing. The more detailed you can be about these symptoms, the better. Make a list of symptoms and keep a journal on when they first started, how long they last and how severe they are. It’s also helpful if you jot down anything that causes these symptoms to get worse or better.

Besides this list of symptoms, the doctor is likely to run blood tests, a spinal tap, and at least one MRI. The blood tests are used to rule out viruses and bacteria present in the blood, such as in …