A member asked:

I have all the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, but it didn't show up on the mri, could i still have ms? what else could it be? i'm negative for lupus

9 doctors weighed in across 4 answers

MS: Another exam which you didn't mention is a spinal tap looking for "oligoclonal bands." if this hasn't been done, it would be the next logical step even without MRI findings.

Answered 5/22/2016

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Dr. Oscar Novick answered

Specializes in Pediatrics

Spinal tap results: Spinal tap is definitive in about 90 per cent of cases especially if ms is located in the spinal cord and not in the brain.

Answered 11/28/2017

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Unlikely to be MS: Symptoms of neurological or emotional problems can be very nonspecific, and may be secondary to a host of other causes, rather than MS. Best approach is to see a primary care doctor, get a thorough physical exam with appropriate testing, and uncover the source of your impairments. This may be a simple issue to reverse.

Answered 5/21/2016

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Dr. Mark Fisher answered

Specializes in Neurology

Lots of things: Ruling MS in or out is much easier than it used to be, but it still requires training, skill & expertise that you'll never get from "Doctor Google." It isn't just laypeople who lack the knowledge & experience to distinguish MS from conditions that superficially resemble MS but aren't; the average US nonneurologist physician isn't confident of his/her ability to do so either.

Answered 5/17/2016

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