What should I expect?

[Tomer47]

I have a Rhuemoltologists who controls my AS (Ankylosing Spondylitis) and I am on many meds. My question is; What should I expect from an MRI of my brain? He is trying to rule out a possible Demyelinating disease. I have many symptoms and it has grown in numbers over the years, especially lately, such as cognitive problems along with balance issues.  Can anyone get a direct diagnosis from an MRI? Please help..very confused!

[JaneK1975]

I did not receive an immediate diagnosis, even though my MRI showed lesions very typical for MS. After my MRI with contrast, I had a visual evoked potentials test (where they measure the speed of your brain activity in response to visual stimuli) and then after that, I had a lumbar puncture. I was diagnosed following the lumbar puncture.

Diagnosis for MS always takes longer then anyone wants it to because doctors never use one single test to diagnose. It's only through combining the results of many tests that a neurologist can make a diagnosis.

Another thing to keep in mind is that MRI's do not show all lesions and many lesions cannot be scientifically designated as being caused by MS versus a migraine headache, smoking, aging, or some other cause. This is why is takes a really good trained professional neurologist to make a diagnosis.

Wishing you the best,
Jane

[Tomer47]

Thanks Guitar girl, I will try to go to my happy place.  I will keep everyone posted.

[Tomer47]

Thanks for the MRI explanation, I just wasn't sure what to expect. I am having a contrast MRI if that is better or more focused? Thanks for responding, I am very new to all of this.

[Tomer47]

I too like the Beatles, I hope I have that option. Did you get a daignosis right away after the MRI?

[JaneK1975]

During my last MRI, the radiologist let me make a request, so I asked for Beatles. About midway through I ended up with what sounded like a wacky techno-electronica version of Martha My Dear. I'm a drummer, so I just went with it inside my head, but it made it reeeaaally difficult to lie still.

I say the staying still part is the worst aspect of an MRI. Getting to see pictures of your brain afterwards is very cool, though - even if they do find holes in it. O_o

[Guitar_grrrl]

Lucky JJ got music?!?  Sheesh - I just had the loud noises!  However, being a songwriter, I just used the rhythmic banging and buzzing to compose my own, LOL!  I only wish I could remember enough of what I was making up to write it all down!

The experience isn't too bad.  Some folks with claustrophobia have a hard time, but being moderately claustrophobic, myself, I do OK.  I just keep my eyes closed and go to my "happy place".

Good luck, and keep in touch!  We'd love to hear of your experience.

[supermum_ms]

An MS dx can come directly from the evidence on an MRI, lesion size, shape and location as well as evidence of past demyelinating events, they have to be spot on though. Generally its a combination of your age, medical history, MRI and other test findings, and it can take a long time, sometimes years for the MS dx to be clear.

They will be looking for abnormalities to explain your sx, lesion are the technical term meaning little scars but brain lesions dont always mean demyelination and thats where size, shape and location come in to it.

I'm not sure if your also asking what getting an MRI is like or not but just in case, think of it as not that dissimilar to getting an xray whilst your laying down. It actually looks a lot freakier than it really is, your laying down usually your head is gently braced to minimise movement. The noise of the MRI is loud so music is often playing as the platform your laying on slowly moves through the donut looking part.

If your having contrast too, then after the first lot of pics are done, you'd be injected with the contrast, wait approx 15 minutes and then another lot of the same pictures are taken. Generally an MRI looking specifically for MS is 3mm slices but if you want more details then you might like to look in our health pages for anything more. :-)

Cheers.............JJ

[LarryLoney]

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is like slicing your brain into many pieces and is a very good troubleshooting tool. If the doctor does not feel comfortable that he is getting an image that shows without a doubt what the problem is, there are other imaging tools available.