Expert neurologists describe how they establish the diagnosis of MS, including the tests they order and how these tests are interpreted. Proper diagnosis involves taking a medical history, a neurologic examination, blood tests, and other various tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spinal fluid analysis.

In this video, expert neurologists describe the differential diagnosis process that is used to exclude other neurological conditions that can mimic MS. Examples of other conditions that mimic MS include: Lyme disease, sarcoidosis, Sjogren's syndrome, syphilis, lupus erythematosus, and vitamin B-12 deficiency.

Patients with MS discuss how their diagnoses were made, including the tests they underwent and what they experienced during those tests.

Patients describe how their worst expectations of living with MS – felt most strongly following their diagnosis – subsided over time. These patients share advice with newly diagnosed patients in an effort to help guide them about dealing with their diagnosis and the treatment options available.