Diagnosis
McDonald Criteria
What it is
The McDonald Criteria is the checklist doctors use to decide if a person has MS. It combines symptoms, MRI findings, and sometimes spinal fluid results to show that nerve damage has happened in more than one place and at more than one time. The criteria are updated every few years as research improves.
Why it matters for you
This is often how your doctor explains why a diagnosis was or was not made. Seeing it spelled out can make the process feel less mysterious.
Questions to ask your doctor
- What type of MS do I have, and how confident are you in the diagnosis?
- Would a second opinion be reasonable? Can you recommend one?
- What is my likely prognosis over the next 5 to 10 years?
- Is MS going to shorten my life?
- What is my risk of eventually needing a wheelchair or mobility aid?
Find MS treatment centers near you
MS care is specialized — the center you choose shapes access to DMTs, infusions, and clinical trials. Pick your state to see centers in your area.
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Reviewed by the MS Buddy editorial team · Last updated April 16, 2026
Not medical advice. Always consult your care team.
Not medical advice. Always consult your care team.