NEG MRI can you still have MS

[momofES]

My neuro Dr saids according the the "Mcblahblah" you cannot have MS with a negative MRI.  Is this true?

[Quixotic1]

Your doctor is 100% wrong and either hasn't read the McDonald Criteria or didn't understand them.

The M.C. clearly say that MS can be diagnosed without even doing an MRI.  But go on to say that an MRI would be desirable.  

The McDonald Criteria were written with one of the purposes being to use MRI data if the clinical data (a patient's history and physical) didn't show the needed history of repeated attacks and the different abnormalities on the neuro exam.

All of the studies looking at your question show that, on average, 5% or so of people with MS have a negative MRI.  Even the National MS Society says this.

Now - It may be that your neurologist does not ever diagnose MS without lesions on MRI.  that would be his right, but it means that he will miss - on average - 1 in 20 people with MS.  It might be okay for him, but it is not okay for me!

Now for a reality check.  For most people a normal MRI really does mean they won't get the diagnosis or if they do get it, they will likely not get treated.  Not getting the diagnosis does NOT mean they do not have MS.  We have a few people here on our fourm who have been diagnosed with MS and who had a negative MRI.  But, I believe that they had 1) a very suggestive clinical history of attacks and things like optic neuritis (which points strongly to MS) , 2) very suggestive findings on neuro exam, and 3) a bright and confident neurologist.

And of course, as always, all the MS mimics need to have been ruled out.

We do have two Health Pages (upper right corner) which talk about these two things.

The First is

"Diagnosing MS - The McDonald Criteria."  This is very long but it describes the real process recommended in coming to the diagnosis of MS.

"How a Person with MS can Have a Negative MRI"  When I was being worked up I was told I had a normal MRI and thus couldn't have MS.  That information was wrong and led me to analyze how it had happened.

I also invite you to join our forum and tell us what is going on.

Quix

[doni54]

Well, Jon and Lulu have answered your question and Lulu has guided you to the health pages that are a great source of info and answers.

I just want to welcome you to the forum and hope that you will fill us in on more of your story.  What other tests have you had and so forth.

You will find this forum to be a very supportive and information filled place.  The people here are compassionate and giving and the best in the world.

Again, welcome, and we are all glad that you have joined our little cyber family.

doni

[JonM]

You're referring to the McDonald criteria.  It is used to make the diagnosis of MS, not for ruling it out.  There is no definitive test to rule out MS.  So Yes you could still have MS.  Virtually everyone with MS would have a clear MRI early on in the disease.

Jon

[Lulu54]

Yes you can.  The link to the health page with that information and explanation is

http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Multiple+Sclerosis/How-Can-a-Person-with-MS-Have-a-Negative-MRI/show/161?cid=36

Welcome to this forum.  i would encourage you to explore the HP's and read up on these topics.  I hope you will come back and share your story when you feel like it.

Welcome again, Lulu