What are the warning signs of multiple sclerosis?

Question

Hello doctor,

My uncle's elder daughter was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The doctors explained that it was an autoimmune disease. They have been advised to get blood tests for screening the rest of the family. Could this be something inherited from her parents? Should we go ahead with these blood tests? She has difficulty walking, numbness, or weakness in limbs, and problems with coordination and balance. Given the genetic component of many autoimmune diseases, we are concerned about the implications for the rest of the family. Can MS be inherited? How effective are these blood tests in determining our risk?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your query and understood your concern.

There is not a single definitive screening test for multiple sclerosis (MS), but a combination of clinical evaluation, medical history, neurological exams, and diagnostic tests can help in diagnosis. These tests may include:

1. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans: MRI scans can reveal lesions in the brain and spinal cord, which are characteristic of MS.

2. Lumbar puncture (spinal tap): This test can detect abnormalities in the cerebrospinal fluid, such as elevated levels of certain proteins associated with MS.

3. Visual Evoked Potential (VEP) test: This measures the speed at which your nerves transmit visual information to your brain, which can be slowed in MS.

4. Blood tests: These can rule out other conditions with similar symptoms and may include tests for markers associated with MS.

The McDonald criteria, which was developed in 2001 by an international expert panel and revised several times, most recently in 2017, provide recommendations on the diagnosis of MS, including diagnosis after a single attack. The criteria consist of a combination of clinical, imaging, and paraclinical tests.

Hope it helps.

Thank you.