The early diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.

An outline of modern views on the aetiology of multiple sclerosis is followed by a discussion of diagnosis. Examination of the cerebrospinal fluid, visual evoked potentials, and other electrophysiological tests are considered. The special problems of optic neuritis, spastic paraparesis, and psychological disorder receive more detailed attention. It is concluded that while the supplementary tests are valuable the diagnosis remains essentially clinical.