How MS is diagnosed: your questions answered

23 February 2026

Getting an MS diagnosis can be straightforward for some people, but for many it’s a long, confusing journey filled with uncertainty. In this episode, we explore one of the questions the MS Trust is asked most often: How is MS actually diagnosed?

We look at why diagnosis can take time, what tests are involved, why symptoms aren’t always obvious, and what happens when tests give unclear results.

We’re joined by Professor Alasdair Coles, neurologist and MS specialist, who guides us through the current diagnosis process from first symptoms to MRIs, lumbar punctures, evoked potentials, OCT scans, and what will happen after the point of diagnosis.

Episode notes

How MS is diagnosed - info from the MS Trust
Lumbar puncture - info from the MS Trust
Evoked potentials - info from the MS Trust
McDonald criteria - info from the MS Trust
Disease modifying drugs (DMDs) - info from the MS Trust
Limbo land - what you can do while you wait for an MS diagnosis - MS Trust podcast
Wellbeing and MS - information hub to help you support your emotional wellbeing

Video resources from MS Trust

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How MS is diagnosed: your questions answered

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