Differential Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis

Updated consensus recommendations on a localization-based paradigm

Sponsoring Organization: The Multiple Sclerosis Differential Diagnosis Consortium and the Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis

Background and Objective

These consensus recommendations for a localization-based approach to the differential diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) are presented as an update to recommendations published in 2008.

Key Points

Optic neuritis, transverse myelitis, and brainstem or supratentorial presentations in MS should follow a typical pattern of patient demographics, onset, symptoms, symmetry, severity, and recovery.
Additional paraclinical testing with MRI, optic coherence tomography, visual evoked potentials, and cerebrospinal fluid and antibody tests is recommended. MRI and CSF are parti…

Reviewing Author

Robert T. Naismith, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardAlexion Pharmaceuticals; Amgen; Astoria; Biogen; Bristol Myers Squibb; Celltrion; Genentech; Hoffmann-La Roche; Genzyme; EMD Serono; Immpact-Bio; Immunic Therapeutics; Kyverna; Lundbeck; Novartis; Sandoz; TG Therapeutics

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health; National Multiple Sclerosis Society; U.S. Department of Defense

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesConsortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (Treasurer)