What is neurological examination for MS?

Neurological examination Your neurologist will look for abnormalities, changes or weakness in your vision, eye movements, hand or leg strength, balance and co-ordination, speech and reflexes. These may show whether your nerves are damaged in a way that might suggest MS.

How do you examine multiple sclerosis?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the test of choice for diagnosing MS in combination with initial blood tests. MRIs use radio waves and magnetic fields to evaluate the relative water content in tissues of the body. They can detect normal and abnormal tissues and can spot irregularities.

Can you have MS and pass a neurological exam?

People with MS may have abnormal findings on a neurological exam. However, in some cases, MS brain lesions may be in areas that do not directly impact things tested on the exam. For this reason, brain imaging is helpful to use together with a full neurological exam.

What are red flag signs of multiple sclerosis?

Inflammation can affect your optic nerve and cause blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision. Another common symptom: tingling or numbness. Pain is another red flag. Dizziness and balance problems are also common.

What is the most common presentation of multiple sclerosis?

A common first presentation of RRMS is with unilateral optic neuritis characterised by gradual onset monocular visual loss, pain on moving the eye and altered colour vision. Visual loss rarely progresses beyond 2 weeks from the onset.

What is the most reliable indicator of a patient’s neurologic function?

A patient’s mental status is the most reliable indicator of brain function, so when there is altered mental status, obtaining a history and assessing for cerebellar function, weakness and paresthesia becomes far more difficult.

Can MS Start in your hands?

Numbness or tingling in the hands, arms, and legs is often the earliest symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS), according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS).