hi all

I was wondering if someone has had ms symptons for about 3/4 years would an mri on whole spine and brain show something if no contrast was used. I have had ms symptons for about 3/4/ years now that I can recall, I had mri done whole spine and brain last June then again Dec, no contrast though, wouldn't something show up.
I am going for one with contrast but doesn't contrast only show up new or active lesions?
If I do have ms and have many symptons of it and some that go way back then why wouldn't the 2 mri's I've already had have showed up old lesions or anything, even a change??????????????????

[Heather3418]

It certainly isn't unheard of, to have all the symptoms of MS or what is thought to be MS and have no lesions show up on MRI.  Does that mean that they aren't there?  NO.  Many MRI's, well anything around 1.5 intensity, do not see the lesions.  The more powerful MRI's, like the 3 and above 'T" find the lesions that the 1.5t do not see.

The contrast dye will only cross the blood brain barrier of your central nervous system if you are in an active flair.  When the myelin is being "chomped on" by the immune system, it leaves a "hole" in the membrane sourrounding the CNS.  Lesions if they are seen will still show up as bright with contrast or have a greyish appearance.  They will "highlight" with contrast dye to show they are "active."

Quix's writes a GREAT piece as MRI's and lesions, I will try to find her post and get it re-posted for you to read.  You may have a better understanding of what I am trying to convey.  Hold on while I go look for it.  It will appear in a separate post, okay?

Hold on....Heather

[Heather3418]

There you go...it's posted at the top...MRI's...etc....Hope this article helps you to better understand.  Let me know if there is anything else you need to know, dear!

Heather

[Melissa072]

I'm sorry, I still don't understand,I have read Quixs piece on mri's and lesions before, its just so confusing. So if I have ms and have had 2 mri's without contrast (clear and no change) then go and have a repeat which I am going to do and have it done with contrast should it show up something if I have ms or only if I am having an attack.
I believe I had a good attack last June thru to about Nov when everything settled down because now I am left with the numbness and the tingling only comes now in heat.
If you have lesions are the same lesions seens on the mri with and without contrast, do they show up when the radiographer takes the pics without then do the same ones show up again once they give you the injection of contrast.