Would a polygraph test be a contraindication to Multiple Sclerosis?

Question

Is taking a polygraph test a contrindication of Multiple Sclerosis?
I was called in as a witness to a crime. The detective on the case has asked everyone to take a polygraph test, I just have recovered from an excerbation that started in May and ended in October. Will my MS affect the polygraph results? Will it cause me another exacerbation?

Answer 1

I don't think your MS will have anything to do with the results of a polygraph test. It shouldn't cause another exacerbation either.

Answer 2

Most polygraph tests measure certain physical conditions during your response to a question: heart rate, galvanic skin conductivity (perspiration), breathing rate, and blood pressure. The examiner will ask you if you are on any medication which would adversely affect your blood pressure, as well as heart medicines. You can tell them that you have MS, but unless you have a polygraph which also measures arm and leg movements (most don't), your MS shouldn't affect your test. I don't know your MS symptoms, but most common symptoms don't affect blood pressure, respiration, pulse, or perspiration. Again, if your symptoms affect any of these areas greatly, call ahead of time and explain this to the detective assigned to the case. Ultimately, the District Attorney prosecuting the case will decide whether or not you can be used as a material witness without a poly. Extenuating circumstances can allow your testimony to enter without being challenged, but again, that's up to the DA.

The examiner will also ask a series of "baseline" questions to establish what your individual norms are. These are where you read on the chart. Essentially, when you are asked a question, if you are lying, generally your respiration, perspiration, blood pressure and pulse will increase, so a trained examiner can tell if you are lying. So wherever you fall on the chart at the beginning of the test will be compared to your physiological responses when asked and answering a question. However, since those external symptoms can be controlled, and since not all examiners have equal levels of experience, it is not foolproof.

Main things to remember:

1. BE HONEST. They will ask you how you are feeling and what's been going on medically in the past 6 months or so. Describe your exacerbation to them, and let them decide whether or not they think they can get an accurate reading considering your remission.

2. DON'T SWEAT IT (no pun intended). You're performing the poly as a witness, not as a suspect. You're there to help. The test is there to help them, and help you be a more credible witness. Also, you know that stress can bring on exacerbations, so take it easy. It's really easy to freak out when taking a poly (I know), but just relax as much as possible.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

Get a note from your doctor stating if you are medically alright enough to take such a test.

Explain to the detectives that you do have a medical condition that may cause interference with the results and you would like to get a written medical statement from your physician prior to taking the test.

Answer 5

Do you know what contraindication means? You spell excacerbation differently twice- neither one correctly.