MS Diagnosis

I was diagnosed with MS by a nurse practitioner in September of 2011 from one MRI test which showed 4 lesions on my brain. She indicated she was 80% sure I had it.  Since then I went to see a neurologist and he ran a second MRI. The second MRI showed that I had still 4 lesions and that the one large lesion had decreased in size and that I didn't have any more.  He said yes, you have MS and handed me a pamphlet for medication and stated that a nurse would call me and show me how to give the medication to myself.  I walked out of his office and said that I was going to get a second opionion due to the fact that he had other theories and just ruled them out and handed me medication.  I chose a MS specialist for my second opinion.  During my office visit with the second neurologist, we went over my test results.  He asked me if I was challenging my diagnosis.  I stated that I was and that I felt not enough tests were done.  He agreed with me.  He stated that one strange issue with my diagnosis was that my vitamin D level was normal, and in the high range.  He asked me if I took a supplement, and I stated no.  He stated to me that if I was diagnosed with MS that I would be one of the first patients in 20 years that had a normal D level.  He then ordered some more blood tests and a lumbar puncture.  I underwent the puncture yesterday and had had all the blood tests, my appointment is scheled for next Friday.  I am at loss of words as to what is going on and feel very confused about the diagnosis. I feel like I am at square 1.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
Well yes, diagnosis of MS is complicated as no single diagnostic test is confirmatory. However, more than 90 percent people are diagnosed based on MRI only. Neurological examinations reveal weakness and other signs. Vitamin D and B12 deficiency also produces symptoms like MS, and hence these are ruled out. Evoked potential tests are done to diagnose nerve weakness. Lumbar puncture is also confirmatory.
So if you have lesions on MRI, and lumbar puncture results point toward MS, then diagnosis is confirmed. Take care!