Diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms in Northern California

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurological disease. With MS, damage to nerve fibers in the spine and brain disrupts rapid nerve communication, which causes a variety of neurological symptoms. The nature of the symptoms groups multiple sclerosis with other movement disorders.

At Dignity Health North State, our neurologists are experts at diagnosing MS and other neurological conditions. For MS symptoms in Northern California, use our simple Find a Doctor tool and make an appointment with an experienced neurologist.

        
Recognizing Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms

Communication between nerves in the brain and spine becomes increasingly disrupted in people who have MS. As the disease progresses, nerve signaling slows or stops, causing such symptoms as:  

  • Balance problems and difficulty walking
  • Moodiness
  • Muscle weakness, spasms, or stiffness
  • Numbness or tingling on your face, feet, or hands
  • Pain with no known injury
  • Problems thinking
  • Trouble speaking and swallowing
  • Unexplained fatigue or tiredness
  • Vision problems, including eye pain and blurry vision

 

How is MS Diagnosed at Dignity Health North State?

The signs and symptoms of MS vary between individuals and change over time. These characteristics require a well-trained and skilled doctor to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms. Your doctor will ask about your medical history and perform a neurological exam to test your reflexes and muscle tone. 

Diagnostic tests may include imaging studies, lumbar puncture (spinal tap), and visual evoked potential (or VEP), a noninvasive test that measures the health of the optic nerves in your eyes.

Our neurologists at Dignity Health North State use a well-defined set of criteria and guidelines to make an MS diagnosis. Keep in mind that your doctor may ask you to repeat certain tests to monitor any nerve changes before confirming the diagnosis. After diagnosis, your doctor will discuss your treatment options.

For more information about neurological care for MS symptoms in Northern California, contact us today.

Dignity Health North State offers expert diagnosis and personalized care for patients with multiple sclerosis symptoms in Mt. Shasta, Red Bluff, and Redding, CA.