lesions or white spots. Those white spots that we see on MRI are the areas where the immune system has damaged the nerves and so when that Myelin is removed it shows up white.
And so that’s what your doctor’s looking at or that’s what the doctor looks at when they look at those MRI scans. So we have to have a combination of symptoms plus MRI abnormalities to diagnose MS. So a person that only has symptoms we don’t necessarily diagnose it in that case. And in a person who only has MRI changes and doesn’t have symptoms, also doesn’t necessarily have MS.
There are some times other tests that we can do including a lumbar puncture or spinal tap and some blood tests that we have to do to rule out other diseases. Because there are vitamin deficiencies that can mimic MS. And also there are other rheumatologic conditions that can mimic MS. So we are not only looking at things to confirm the diagnosis, but we’re also making sure that they’re not other reasonable causes for those symptoms before we make a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.
Be sure to check out the next video in the Brown Lens series featuring Dr. Mitzi Joi Williams — MS Made Simple: Forms Of MS
Dr. Mitzi Joi Williams is a top neurologist and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Specialist in Atlanta, Georgia. She received her undergraduate degree in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology from Emory University and her Doctor of Medicine degree from Morehouse School of Medicine. Dr. Williams completed her internship and residency in neurology as well as a Clinical Fellowship in Multiple Sclerosis at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, GA. Dr. Williams has a strong interest in understanding and furthering research in MS in ethnic minority populations. She is a sought-after speaker and presenter and has discussed her research both nationally and internationally at various scientific meetings. She has spearheaded and participated in multiple Steering Committees and Work Groups to further research in underserved populations with MS. She also has recently increased involvement in efforts to increase diversity in clinical research and educate the community about the importance of research participation. Dr. Williams is the author of MS Made Simple: The Essential Guide to Understanding Your Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis. Because of her passion for teaching and advocacy.