Diagnosis
Diagnosing MS can be tricky, it’s like a jigsaw and the Neurologist has to put all the pieces together to make the correct diagnosis.
One piece of the jigsaw is the symptoms that you have, the neurologist will ask questions about when they started, where they are, are they constant or coming and going, they will also test your nerves by asking you to do certain tasks.
Another piece of the jigsaw is the MRI, typically we see lesions on the brain around the periventricular area, and these lesions are areas of inflammation. If you have enough lesions then the jigsaw is complete and the MS diagnosis can be made. However if there isn’t enough evidence on the MRI, then further jigsaw pieces needs adding.
These extra pieces could be either a: lumbar puncture, visual evoked potentials, blood tests or nerve conduction studies.
Sometimes the jigsaw doesn’t get completed and we have to wait to see if you get more symptoms, this is usually when someone is diagnosed with Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS).
Support
When you received the diagnosis, you will be referred to the MS Team who will see you within 2-4 weeks of them receiving the referral.
At that appointment, which is usually a home visit, we will talk about what has gone on to date, why you have had certain tests done, what MS is, how to live well with MS and a little bit about the future. We will give you lots of booklets and leaflets to go with our discussions.
A few things to note:
- It is important that you disclose your diagnosis to the DVLA, they will put you on a yearly license, don’t worry you wont have to do a driving test every 3 years, its just a form and a stamp. https://www.gov.uk/driving-medical-conditions
- Disclosing to your employer is a difficult decision (see more info in the Work and MS section)
- If you have critical illness on your mortgage then your insurance company may pay out for the diagnosis.
- It’s a good idea to start writing a journal about your symptoms, this helps the MS team and Neurologists understand your MS better.
https://mstrust.org.uk/about-ms/newly-diagnosed
https://www.mssociety.org.uk/care-and-support/newly-diagnosed
https://www.msbrainhealth.org/
Below is a video that is a message to your family and friends about you and your MS.