Will MRI w/o contrast show lesions?

[Andicat]

Hey there, I just signed up here to see if maybe I can get help with a couple things. I think I have MS. I have also had shingles 4 times in the last 2 years, I am in my late 20's.

The most recent incidents started back in November of this year with painful joints, fatigue, headache, hormonal symptoms, and cold painful hands, feet. The hands, arms, feet, toes are now numb and painful and I have spasms in my fingers and toes that are very painful. It seemed to have progressed from being cold to really hurting and numb all the time. Pinky fingers are the worse and runs up along the side of my arm to my shoulder on both sides at this point. Also my ears are clogged, that happened when the numbness happened...

I just got lots of tests done, including an ANA scan to rule out any autoimmune disease. My doctor is skeptical of my shingles and thought it was herpes which I know it wasnt due to the shooting nerve pains I have with it. She is a new doctor for me, and the blisters were never cultured. AAAANYWAY my point is she hasnt been the most supportive. I went in today to get all these other tests done and she didn't send me to a neurologist but agreed to do the MRI of brain and brain stem. She ordered it with no contrast as I can see on the sheet here and I am concerned that it won't show up. I know there were long discussions about this and I read them but am still not sure of the answer to this.

I believe I had symptoms on 2004 where I was about an inch away from being diagnoses with CFS. I was never diagnosed as I lost my medical insurance right before my referral ( I had Kaiser and have Kaiser again now too). Anyway is it possible that if it started in 2004 that lesions will show up. If it didn't start till this November with my most recent symptoms will anything show up?

I am concerned that my doctor ordered it no contrast to humor me and assumes it won't show anything... but I could totally be wrong. Can you try to help me understand if this will show lesions or if this is an attempt to have me stop going on about my symptoms?

I really appreciate the help!

[sllowe]

Hi there,

Welcome to the forum!

Melissa's right, the contrast will show lesions that are active w/in the CNS at the time of MRI, and MRI without contrast will show (hopefully) existing lesions.  

However, I strongly suggest you to read the write-up Doc Q put in the health pages.  It's much more technical, but also easy to understand and important for anyone looking to know what and "how MRIs show lesions."

What sort of testing did you have back in 04?

I can't really say or not if the Dr. is humoring you (w/the tests) but I know you are worried about it.  Least she ordered it. Try to find out what strength a machine you will be having it on.

See you around!

[Melissa072]

Hi I only asked this question again the other day  lols

An mri without contrast will show lesions, the contrast will make the new ones glow.

I'm sure others will also chime in

Melissa