The diagnosis and classification of multiple sclerosis: evoked responses and spinal fluid electrophoresis.

Multimodality evoked responses (including visual, brainstem auditory, and somatosensory) and CSF analysis were evaluated in 123 patients grouped into definite, probable, and possible MS according to the McAlpine criteria. The evoked responses (ERs) were very sensitive in detecting asymptomatic lesions and can therefore be used in conjunction with clinical data to provide evidence of multiple lesions. The CSF abnormalities also have high sensitivity and specificity in MS. ER and CSF findings, therefore, should be considered in addition to the clinical data in any classification of MS.