Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms and Diagnosis
It can be difficult to be sure if someone has multiple sclerosis (MS). Unlike many other diseases, there is no single test for MS.1
Your healthcare team will approach diagnosis from several angles, which usually include1:
- Reviewing your medical history
- Performing a physical exam
- Examining other laboratory tests and body scans
Your Medical History
Your healthcare team will review your medical history for symptoms such as the ones in the chart below1,2:
Symptoms can include:
- Fatigue
- Tingling/pain
- Problems with balance & walking
- Changes in vision
- Depression/emotional changes
- Impaired thinking/understanding
- Numbness
- Poor muscle coordination
- Sexual problems
- Slurred speech and stuttering
- Bladder and bowel problems
Your Physical Exam
During your physical exam, your healthcare team will look for signs like1:
- Irregular eye movement
- Changes in the way you talk
- Lack of coordination
- Sensory disturbances
- Changes in your reflexes
- Weakness/spasticity in your arms or legs
Laboratory Tests/Scans
The most common test for MS is the magnetic resonance imaging test (MRI).* An MRI can detect the distinctive lesions or scars that give MS its name.1
After reviewing your medical history, doing a physical exam, and performing an MRI, healthcare teams sometimes have enough information to make a diagnosis of MS. Sometimes they need to order more tests, which can include1:
- Evoked potential: to detect slowed nerve function
- Cerebrospinal fluid: to test for certain antibodies that can indicate MS
- Blood: to rule out other diseases (there is no blood test for MS)
Early Treatment
Studies suggest that MS causes damage in the early years of the disease.3
BETASERON (interferon beta-1b) was the first FDA-approved high-dose, high-frequency interferon beta for treatment from the first multiple sclerosis (MS) event.
Please see Important Safety Information.
Speak to your healthcare team to determine whether treatment is an option for you.
* The exact relationship between MRI findings and the clinical status of people with MS is unknown.
References:
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Diagnosis. New York, NY: National Multiple Sclerosis Society; 2006. Multiple Sclerosis Basic Facts Series (brochure). 2006.
- Symptoms. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. http:www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/symptoms/index.aspx. Accessed September 25, 2009.
- Kuhlmann T, Lingfeld G, Bitsch A, Schuchardt J, Bruck, W. Acute axonal damage in multiple sclerosis is most extensive in early disease stages and decreases over time. Brain. 2002; 125:2202-2212.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
BETASERON® (interferon beta-1b) is indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis to reduce the frequency of clinical exacerbations. Patients with multiple sclerosis in whom efficacy has been demonstrated include patients who have experienced a first clinical episode and have MRI features consistent with multiple sclerosis.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
The most commonly reported adverse reactions are lymphopenia, injection-site reaction, asthenia, flu-like symptom complex, headache, and pain. Gradual dose titration and use of analgesics during treatment initiation may help reduce flu-like symptoms. BETASERON should be used with caution in patients with depression. Injection-site necrosis has been reported in 4% of patients in controlled trials. Patients should be advised of the importance of rotating injection sites. Female patients should be warned about the potential risk to pregnancy. Cases of anaphylaxis have been reported rarely. See "Warnings," "Precautions," and "Adverse Reactions" sections of full Prescribing Information.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
For important risk and use information, please see the full prescribing information.
- New Money-Saving Offer
- Exclusively for people taking BETASERON® Learn More.
- Consider MS Treatments
- When considering treatments, take a closer look at BETASERON.
- Why Choose Betaseron?
- Peer Mentor Program
for MS - Sign up now to connect with a real person who is living with MS.
- Why Choose Betaseron?
- Consider MS Treatments
- When considering treatments, take a closer look at BETASERON.
- BETAPLUS®
MS Support Program -
The MS support program rated best** by physicians for affordable therapy, copay assistance, and nurse access and training. Access a BETA Nurse 24/7, 365 days a year.
Call 1-800-788-1467
or
join BETAPLUS now.
** In a survey of 199 physicians conducted by JZM/Phoenix Healthcare Practice, BETAPLUS, an MS patient support program for those on Betaseron, was rated "best" for affordable therapy, copay assistance, and nurse access and training, compared to MS support programs from Avonex, Copaxone, and Rebif. Attitude, Awareness and Use Tracking Study Among Physicians June 2008.
- Consider MS Treatments
- When considering treatments, take a closer look at BETASERON.
