Neurologists look at a variety of tests and scans to accurately diagnose MS. The most common criteria for diagnosis is a history of two attacks, clinical evidence of at least one brain lesion and increased IgC present in cerebrospinal fluid.

When your physician suspects MS, he or she will order an MRI. MRIs allow doctors to see a picture of what is happening to your brain and spinal cord, which can help them monitor disease activity and track the progression of MS.

Some people with MS avoid MRI scans. They do not want to “see” their disease activity. But it’s important to know how much disease activity is happening in your body. Often, MS can be active in areas that are not causing obvious symptoms. Having a routine MRI about once a year is standard procedure

MRI: What is your doctor looking for?

MRIs help neurologists identify brain lesions, or areas where the disease is active. They can also identify older, inactive lesions that may have been active at one time.