A multiple sclerosis diagnosis is a painstaking process. Since there is no one test to determine if a person has the condition, many other conditions with similar symptoms need to be excluded first through various forms of testing. This not only makes the process lengthy but also results in a high potential for misdiagnosis.
What can you expect during the testing period if a doctor suspects that you or a loved one has MS?
Testing for Multiple Sclerosis
There are four categories of examination to expect:
- Neurological Examination – The doctor will take a patient history and ask a series of questions to determine the patient’s emotional condition. This is done because MS patients often suffer from mental distress and an accompanying mental disorder is common.
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) – An MRI can help a neurologist see what is going on in a patient’s brain. MRIs can reveal issues that a CT or an ultrasound just can’t find. If a patient exhibits sign of MS, they should be visible through an MRI.
- Lumbar Puncture – A needle inserted between two of the lumbar bones and a sample of cerebrospinal fluid is extracted. The fluid can then be tested for abnormalities that may suggest MS.
- Evoked Potential Testing – Brain waves are recorded through electrodes. Visual, audio, and other sensory stimuli are provided and response times in the brain are recorded. This can reveal brain abnormalities as well as problems in the spinal cord or optic nerves.
After Diagnosis—Seeking Relief
If the tests lead to a diagnosis of MS, the doctor’s prescription pad is likely to come out. However, MS care often involves trial and error. You may take numerous medications, each with their own side effects, and still not see much benefit. It is good to know that there is another option.
It is well recognized in the medical field that head and neck injuries often precede a multiple sclerosis diagnosis. That is because these injuries may result in an upper cervical misalignment. The misalignment, in turn, affects the brainstem and spinal cord, cerebrospinal fluid flow, blood flow to the brain, and other factors that relate to MS. Once the misalignment is corrected, many patients in case studies have reported benefits.
To schedule your NUCCA evaluation, just click the button below:
Want to hear from real people like you? Check out our patient success stories.
Dr. Armen Manoucherian of Health Edge Family Spinal Care in Glendale, California is a Glendale Chiropractor and Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). He has helped many children and adults find natural relief in Glendale, California. His upper cervical clinic also serves the communities of Pasadena, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Burbank. He is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems. More information can be found on his website at http://www.healthedgela.com