Keep in mind that it may take a long time to receive an MS diagnosis because your doctor will want to rule out other conditions that may cause your symptoms. This might feel frustrating, but it’s the best way for your doctor to ensure you get the best treatment possible.

Blurred or double vision Clumsiness or coordination problems Thinking problems Loss of balance Numbness and tingling Weakness in an arm or leg

One symptom followed by a respite for months or even years before the symptom presents itself again or a new symptom presents. One or several symptoms in close proximity to one another, with the symptom(s) becoming worse within weeks or months.

Feeling pins and needles, but also numbness, itching, burning, or stabbing Bowel and bladder problems, like constipation, frequent urination, suddenly urgent urination, problems emptying the bladder fully, and the need to urinate at night Muscle weakness or spasms, resulting in difficulty walking. Dizziness or lightheadedness Fatigue no matter how much you sleep Decreased sex drive Thinking problems, difficulty concentrating, difficulty retrieving memory, and low attention span Shaking or tremors, making it difficult to do some everyday activities like holding a cup Speech problems in the later stages of MS, such as long gaps between a string of words, slurred speech, or intensely nasal speech Eye problems, usually affecting only one eye, in the later stages of MS Vision loss due to optic neuritis, an inflammation of the optic nerve.

In order to prepare for a lumbar puncture:[8] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications or herbal remedies than may thin out your blood. Empty your bladder. Sign a consent form and possibly a medical test information form. v

An MRI is considered one of the best tests used to diagnose multiple sclerosis to date, although a diagnosis of MS is impossible to make using an MRI alone. That’s because patients can still register a normal MRI and still have MS.

While there is no cure for MS, many people are able to slow its progression and reduce how much the symptoms affect their life. [12] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Talk to your healthcare team about what you can expect from your condition.