What are the most definitive and least expensive tests for ms? i am looking for a new doctor to follow through and use the second mri i had. what are the specific questions thati should ask the new doctor?

MRIs+Lumbar Puncture: Standard tests include mris of the spine (cervical and thoracic) and the brain to look for sclerotic plaques, which usually have a characteristic pattern (e.g., dawson's fingers--google it). A lumbar puncture is also standard to look for elevated myelin basic protein, oligoclonal bands in csf(not serum), and antibody changes (igg). An EMG or nerve conduction study can rule out other possible causes.

Your symptoms and MR: Ms is diagnosed based on the combination of your symptoms, labs, and mr. The criteria used to make the diagnosis can be found here: http://en.Wikipedia.Org/wiki/mcdonald_criteria the bottom line is that often you can diagnose ms based on your symptoms. If your symptoms are not enough to diagnose it then you have to look at lab values and imaging. U should find a neurologist that does only ms.

GLAD YOU ASKED: The diagnosis can be made on history and physical exam and your prior mri's should help confirm the diagnosis if appropriate patterns exist. On occasion, spinal fluid analysis is used in ambiguous cases. You really do need an experienced sub-specialized neurologist, perhaps even one who works at a teaching hospital. If you have ms, you need a potent medication, but key is confirmed diagnosis.