MRI scan

[Shebubs]

Is it necessary to have more than one MRI scan done. I have only ever had the one scan, 15 yrs ago which was when I was given my official dx, despite having several episodes/relapses since. Initially told I had RRMS now being told I have SPMS with relapses. Thanks Shebubs

[supermum_ms]

Hi and welcome to our little corner of the web, if you haven't already you might like to read our health pages, found just to the right of your screen.

My impression is that its becoming quite hard in England to get dx these days, not sure if thats relivant to 15 years ago but it does make me wonder what the purpose of it is after all this time, why now and not the last trillion relapses you've probably had? Is this the same neuro you've had all this time?

The common reasons for repeat or regular MRI's is usually evidence gathering pre-dx, to check if their DMD is working for them, mapping progression etc. Are you on one of the DMD's at all, if not have you ever been? I suppose if the MRI is being considered now instead of before because of your progression from RRMS to SPMS. Then I can't see how that would work, i was under the impression SPMS was determined by the clinical signs of the pattern changing to a continual progression (SPMS) with out the 'relapse recovery' (RRMS) part.

Sorry, i'm not being as helpful as I intended, i'm sort of stuck on why now, but i suppose if its comes down to it being up to you if you do or dont, then how much to you want it?

Cheers.............JJ    

[HVAC]

This is really something to be decided with your MS Specialist. The advantage is there are coming up with new therapies and they can make a better choice in helping you with those decisions. I have PPMS and have chosen because of out of pocket cost not to have more MRIs at this point. I also am not on A therapy to slow progression. If I were I may have a MRI.

Alex

[tingletingle]

Hi Shebubs,

Certainly the neurologists that I have consulted like the MRI for its diagnostic and disease progression abilities.

Having said that I don't believe it is necessarily a bad thing that you have only had one. Financially they are expensive. Emotionally they are taxing because you see the progress of the disease. Statistically we all know that at some stage between 10- 20 years we are going to progress to SPMS which is where you are unfortunately at the moment. So I think you have dodged a bullet by not having the MRI along the way.

Very sorry to hear you are experiencing more relapses. I am not familiar with your story so perhaps you would like to tell us a little more about your journey thus far including any disease modifying drugs too. It would really help a 'newbie' like me.


Blessings
Alex