Finally, in the BAEP test, electrodes are attached to both the scalp and ear lobes. Patients have earphones placed over the ears and are tested by use of varying degrees of clicks. Generally, this test runs about an hour, and each ear is tested separately. This is because demyelinated nerve fibers have a harder time sending signals. A drawback for these tests is that they do not identify the cause of any lesions.
Blood tests can further rule out other disorders that mimic multiple sclerosis.
Hopefully, as technology advances and creates more sensitive tools, perhaps there will be a day when a diagnosis of MS can be made with one simple test. For Further Information, see Healthtalk Interactive's archives on Understanding MRI . On this interactive site, you can hear an MS specialist share his expertise and slides of actual MRI brain scans. This article is presented for general information purposes only and is not intended as a prescription or recommendation for your personal situation. You should consult with your physician or other health care professional for specific advice on your personal health care choices.