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919-668-7600As leaders in multiple sclerosis (MS) research, Duke’s physicians are paving the way for more effective treatments that can target this debilitating disease. While there is no cure for MS, our in-depth understanding of how the disease starts and progresses means we can provide you with more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plans -- today and in the future.
Multiple sclerosis is not easy to diagnose. If you have MS, your symptoms may come and go. Some symptoms may be the same as those of other conditions. Because there is no one test that can confirm if you have MS, our doctors follow a careful, strategic evaluation that involves detailed examinations, MRIs, and blood and spinal fluid analyses.
Once we confirm your diagnosis, we develop a plan to manage your symptoms using a personalized combination of medication and therapy services.
Duke Health offers locations throughout the Triangle. Find one near you.
There is no one test that can confirm that you have multiple sclerosis. Our experts use the following strategies to determine if you meet the criteria for MS.
A thorough medical history is necessary to look for clues that tell us when your symptoms began.
A variety of tests are given to evaluate movement; coordination; balance; vision; and mental, emotional, and language functions.
This is the best imaging test for detecting MS plaques. Though a diagnosis cannot be based on MRI alone, it may be used to confirm a diagnosis based on medical history and neurological exams.
These tests may be used to rule out other conditions that have symptoms similar to MS.
This test looks for heightened levels of antibodies and certain proteins in the spinal fluid that may help point to a diagnosis.
EPs measure the nervous system’s electrical responses to different stimulation and can help confirm a diagnosis.
Where you receive your care matters. Duke University Hospital is proud of our team and the exceptional care they provide. They are why our neurology and neurosurgery program is nationally ranked, and the highest-ranked program in North Carolina by U.S. News & World Report for 2025–2026.
Duke University Hospital has been named a Center for Comprehensive Care by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, recognizing our coordinated, multi-specialty care. Some of our providers have been further recognized by the same organization as Partners in MS Care for their knowledge and expertise in treating people with MS.
Our patients have access to comprehensive rehabilitation and therapy services at Duke Raleigh Outpatient Rehabilitation. Staff members are specially trained to work one-on-one with people who have neurorehabilitation needs, including those with MS. They focus on maximizing your functional capabilities and independence.
We offer cutting edge clinical trials, exploring treatments such as stem cell transplantation and CAR-T therapy. Our clinical team collaborates with basic science researchers who are studying the genetic and environmental influences on developing MS.
