ms and mri scans

[jellylegs]

is an mri scan without contrast on brain and c spine sufficiant to rule out ms without having any other tests other than normal bloodwork done. leg weakness and other odd symptoms going on for months. been told scan was clear and no need to worry about it,it will pass with time. have'nt seen a neurologist yet but going to one privatly in afew weeks. dont know what strength the machine was but the scan only took 10 mins which i thought was unusually quick. do signs rather than symptoms have to be present before doc's will do any more tests. have lost my job due to inability to remain standing and walking more than a few mins at a time and don't feel a bit reasured by doc's attitude.

[sadie1246]

my doctor used contrast and found it when another doctor did not.  unfortunately, when sometimes it shows up and sometimes not.  they have a blood test for it and if it comes back low you have it.

[patsy10]

Lyme disease is one of the differentials that mimicks MS.  You may want to have this test run if you already haven't.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Good luck and keep us posted!

[jellylegs]

thank you for your comment, problems did begin after an infection but that cleared up and then the leg problems began. going to neuro soon anyway.

[jellylegs]

thank you for your reply, will definatly be going to neuroligist although sometimes i feel like docs think i'm a timewaster when they dont find anything but i know whats happening is not normal.

[dr_simran]

Hello Dear,
Definite diagnosis  of MS cannot be made until other disease processes (differential diagnoses) have been ruled out and, in the case of relapsing-remitting MS, there is evidence of at least two anatomically separate demyelinating events separated by at least thirty days. In the case of primary progressive, a slow progression of signs and symptoms over at least 6 months is required .Also lesions are seen in elderly age group.The diagnosis of MS is more of clinical .

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of the brain and spine is often used during the diagnostic process. MRI shows areas of demyelination (lesions) as bright spots on the image. Gadolinium, is administered intravenously to highlight active plaques and, by elimination, demonstrate the existence of historical lesions not associated with clinical symptoms. This can provide the evidence of chronic disease needed for a definitive diagnosis of MS.
Also, evaluation of Cerebrospinal fluid is recommended for the diagnosis of inflammatory conditions. You should consult your neurologist regarding the definite diagnosis.

Best.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

MRI takes thousands of images of brain quickly, so I think 10 minutes was sufficient time.
The diagnosis of MS is not easy as there are so many diseases which can present with neurological deficits. It is usually dismissed as a pinched nerve or a viral infection. This uncertainty I can understand is very difficult to deal with.
There are a number of neurological tests like romberg’s sign, heal shin test, hoffman’s sign to name a few which the neurologists use to diagnose MS.
Two episodes of neurological deficits, with at least two separate lesions in the brain along with CSF abnormalities will be diagnostic of MS.
The neurologist is the best person to make the diagnosis, I hope you are able to see him soon.