placement of lesions

[iambus]

Can MS lesions be on the "rim/edge" of the brain or is that uncommon for MS?  Both my old MRI (from a year ago) the MRI I just had show white spots but they are literally on the edge of the brain (but in different places).  Can that happen with MS?  OF all the pics on line that I've seen of MRI's of MS patients, none of the lesions were on the rim.  Last year my MRI had a big white spot on the edge but they said my MRI was normal so I'm assuming it was a normal brain thing that shows up on "normal" brains.  I haven't gotten my results for this MRI yet but there is a pea sized and shaped white spot on the edge. Just wondering if that can happen with MS or maybe normal for a "normal" brain. (I can always post pictures if that's possible on this site)

Sorry if this paragraph wasn't coherent :/ And sorry if I've been posting too much but thank you for your opinions and feed back :)  

[SarahL2491]

I finally found my solo MRI, the one taken before I had my pacemaker and unfortunately it was done on a 1.5T machine.........sigh...........so between no MRI and no LP (scoliosis - doc and I say NO NO NO), I am going to be the hardest to Dx.......but holding out faith for the new neuro in October who has a rep of being fair......

When I had my MRI, I knew nothing about these different types of MRI machines.......you guys have really made progress.......

[COBOB]

The 1.5 T machines do a pretty good job at brain imaging.  The 3T machines have some advantages for spinal imaging, but good technique and sequence selection seem to be more important than just the power of the magnet.  You also need to cross your finger that you get a good radiologist to read the films.  

From what I have seen, hospital imaging departments have a tendency to do T2W Spin Echo (SE) sequences of the brain that take about 20 min for that one sequence, but some of the imaging centers seem to T2 FSE (Fast Spin Echo) or T2 TSE (Turbo Spin Echo) sequences that take as little as half the time.  The neuroradiologists I know consider T2W SE to be much better the T2W FSE or T2W TSE.

Another thing to look for is T2* or T2* GRE sequences.  These are  gradient echo sequences.  There are some studies that suggest the T2* sequences pick up more lesions than T2W.  Almost all 3 T machines will need to use T2* sequences to limit the patients exposure to radio frequency and magnetic fields during exams.

Bob  

[iambus]

Thank you for the link.  Yeah, same as all the other photos I've seen, the MS lesion in the pics from the website tend to be in the "middle" (not the direct middle but throughout most of the brain) and not really on the edges.  I think like Bob said, I think what I'm seeing on my MRI is probably normal densities, not lesions.  I guess I'll know for sure once I see the dr but then in the back of my mind I will always wonder if I should have an MRI on a 3T machine.  or if I should ask the dr to do a VEP.

[jensequitur]

While MS lesions can vary in size and shape, they all kinda look like these:

http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4556dea65db62

I would take a good look and you'll see what I mean.  

[COBOB]

A lesion can be any where in the brain that a blood vessel can allow white blood cells to leak out and attack myelin.  There are more blood vessels down near the ventricles, so that is the classic place to see lesions.  Many times, bright white spots near the bone a normal densities, and not lesions.

Bob

[iambus]

thank you :) Even though I don't want any of us to be experiencing the things we experience, it some times helps to know that other people (here) understand what we're going threw because often times, I'm sure, our friends and families (and from what I've read and my own experience, our drs) don't understand.

[grannyhotwheels]

Hi,
I'm sorry I can't answer your questions but I'm sure someone will know... I just wanted to tell you to never apologize for posting to much... There is no such thing... We all are scared and we all have questions... We only see our Neuro's every 3 to 6 months (sometimes longer) so where else can we go to ask questions???  

I can't turn to my family because they only know what they hear from my doctor or from me... That's what I love so much about the forum... You can get on here any time day or night and ask about anything you want... Sometimes it's just nice to talk to someone that understands what your going through too...

Hang in there and ask, ask away!!!!

Carol