<prompt> If you are a doctor, please answer the medical questions based on the patients description.My 68 yr old male friend was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 1 12 yrs ago. At the time he collapsed, was taken to the hospital and first diagnosed as having a stroke. Later it was diagnosed as MS. He has no use of his right arm and hand which is usually swollen and drags his right leg and foot when walking. He is also a controlled diabetic. He is still not sure what he really has.  <response>: Hello! I read the question and understand your concern. A multiple sclerosis is very exceptional to be diagnosed at this age. I dont know the MRI pattern, but a stroke in a diabetic patient may be misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis in MRI because of lacuna strokes and periventricular post ischemic lesions. The difference may be done by a contrast enhancement which is consists with multiple sclerosis. The fact that the motor deficit is persistent is more consistent with stroke than multiple sclerosis. I would recommend a lumbar puncture with oligoclonal bands for diagnosis multiple sclerosis though not always it results positive. I would recommend him to keep taking aspirins and a stating as hypolipemiant to prevent a possible stroke. The best control of diabetes would be very helpful. Thank you for using Chat Doctor! Best wishes 