title: Diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis: 2005 revisions to the "McDonald Criteria".
abstract: New diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis integrating magnetic resonance image assessment with clinical and other paraclinical methods were introduced in 2001. The "McDonald Criteria" have been extensively assessed and used since 2001. New evidence and consensus now strengthen the role of these criteria in the multiple sclerosis diagnostic workup to demonstrate dissemination of lesions in time, to clarify the use of spinal cord lesions, and to simplify diagnosis of primary progressive disease. The 2005 Revisions to the McDonald Diagnostic Criteria for MS should simplify and speed diagnosis, whereas maintaining adequate sensitivity and specificity.
authors.affiliation: VU Medical Center Amsterdam, Free University, PO Box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, the Netherlands. ch.polman@vumc.nl
authors.forename: Chris H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Polman
authors.forename: Stephen C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Reingold
authors.forename: Gilles
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Edan
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Filippi
authors.forename: Hans-Peter
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Hartung
authors.forename: Ludwig
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kappos
authors.forename: Fred D
authors.initials: FD
authors.lastname: Lublin
authors.forename: Luanne M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Metz
authors.forename: Henry F
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: McFarland
authors.forename: Paul W
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: O'Connor
authors.forename: Magnhild
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sandberg-Wollheim
authors.forename: Alan J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.forename: Brian G
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Weinshenker
authors.forename: Jerry S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Wolinsky
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D009462:Neurology / Q000592:standards*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic