Diagnosing RRMS

The criteria for diagnosing relapsing-remitting MS require evidence of at least two separate areas of damage (“dissemination in space”) in the central nervous system (CNS) that have occurred at different points in time (“dissemination in time”). The diagnostic criteria utilize MRI results in combination with a history of symptoms as well as findings on the neurological examination to help make the diagnosis.  In addition, the doctor must be able to rule out any other diseases or conditions that might be responsible for the symptoms.   

Recent changes to these criteria allow the presence of oligoclonal bands in a person's cerebrospinal fluid to substitute for "dissemination in time," thereby speeding up the diagnostic process for many people.