repeat mri

[Ruthy11]

I've had ms for a few years now and have had two MRI tests which both showed lesions.  The gadolinium injection (needle) caused discomfort in my hand for two months and leg pain for three days.  My neuro wanted me to have another MRI and I said no.  My question is,  If a person definitely has MS and there is no cure then why continue to have MRI's and be put through the discomfort of all the testing.

[jensequitur]

That's a great answer - my neuro hasn't given me an MRI of the brain since my diagnosis, and I'm not sure why.  I've been flipping back and forth on this one, but that's pretty convincing.

[Lulu54]

Hi Ruthy, Welcome to our community.  I hope you will find the information useful and the company pleasant.

Why repeat MRIs?  I just heard a talk last week and the neuro covered this point.  Two reasons are at the top of the list -

1) the MRI allows them to see the progression of the disease - he said there aren't always clinical signs and the MRI gives them another perspective.

2)  the MRI allows them to see if the drug therapy we are on is working to slow/control the progression of our MS. If it isn't they can always switch the DMD.

Both of these are pretty significant reasons and that's why insurance will pay for multiple MRIs for those of us already dx'd.  

If the Gad caused discomfort, you could always request to have your MRI done without contrast agent.  The gadolinium is given to see if there are any recent lesons that have formed.  If they are less than 40 days or so, they will enhance with the use of contrast agent.  If they don't use gad, those new ones will still show up in other MRI techniquesI would talk to your doctor about this and have the MRI done without contrast.  

Again, welcome.  i hope we will see you around.  Let me know if you have any questions about this.

be well,
Lulu