MRI and symptoms don't correlate

[swellkell]

Why is it so important to have regular MRI's once you have an MS diagnosis?  I ask this having been diagnosed with MS for 8 years now.  I've had almost annual MRI's and they never seem to show any changes from the initial MRI.  Nevertheless, my symptoms have gradually gotten worse to the point that I can only be on my feet for about 20 minutes at a time.  I walk much slower than I used to and I've begun having blatter problems.  My physician doesn't want to change my Betaseron since I've not had any major relapses for over a year.  Still, this deterioration in my ability to walk and in my balance, is frustrating me.  Regardless of what the MRI shows, I think I'm getting much worse.  Also, is it possible that since I'm getting worse, I no longer have RRMS and maybe have PPMS or SPMS?

[MCBCON]

My doctors do not seem to feel that MRIs are all that important.  They do not discount MRIs, but say that we do not treat an MRI.  It is the symptoms that are treated.

Also, note most MRIs are not checed for lesions in the gray matter.  MRIs are usually read for lesions in the white matter.  I think you might find that there are changes in your MRI if someone start looking for gray matter lesions.  Some neurologists only consider white matter lesions though more consideration of gray matter lesions is being popular at late.  Gray matter lesions are better read a higher magnet strength than white matter lesions.

I am in the same situation as you with respect to the increasing symptoms an no change on the MRI.  This I find frustrating even though I understand.  My new MS doctor calls thes dark matter symptoms.  I am not sure why he says this.

[Lulu54]

Hi swellkell, Welcome to the medhelp MS forum  - I don't believe we have crossed paths before.  Just my sort of educated guess would be they do regular MRI's to track if the DMD is doing its job and keeping the number of lesions down.  I know my MS doc said he will image me once a year now that we know I have MS and have started treatment.  

If your bladder problem is a new symptom I would say you have had a relapse - but I don't know what your doctor would consider major.  

You may have read other places that a large number of us with RRMS will eventually go into a form of SPMS.  I can't quote the numbers, but it definitely is a possibility for all of us.

I hope you will stop through often with your questions.  

Welcome again,
Lulu

[opie74]

I wish that I knew.  I am going to watch this thread and maybe learn something!
Opie