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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Multiple Sclerosis
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
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Diagnosis & Tests
How is the disease diagnosed?
Diagnosis of MS begins with a history and physical exam. There is no test that can specifically diagnose MS. A cranial MRI may show damage to the myelin coating in the brain. But some people with MS have a normal MRI.
A spinal tap may be done to obtain cerebrospinal fluid. This is the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord and brain. The fluid is examined for evidence of immune system problems. An evoked potential test studies electrical impulses. It can be done to look for slowing of messages in different parts of the brain.
MS is sometimes diagnosed by ruling out all other possible causes for the symptoms. The basic rule for diagnosing MS has two criteria: