Question

According to the latest diagnostic criteria, what is the gold standard for diagnosing multiple sclerosis?

• A. Clinical history and examination alone
• B. Application of the 2024 revised McDonald criteria
• C. Presence of oligoclonal bands in CSF
• D. Evoked potentials

Hint:

The 2024 McDonald criteria allow earlier diagnosis with unified rules for relapsing and progressive MS.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the question.
The question seeks the current standard for MS diagnosis, which integrates clinical, imaging, and laboratory findings.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) Clinical history and examination alone: Insufficient without evidence of dissemination in space and time.
(B) Application of the 2024 revised McDonald criteria: Correct — These are the internationally accepted gold standard criteria.
(C) Presence of oligoclonal bands in CSF: Supportive but not required in all cases.
(D) Evoked potentials: Adjunctive, not the primary standard.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (B) Application of the 2024 revised McDonald criteria, the gold standard for diagnosing multiple sclerosis.