What is My Dr Looking For??!!

[spitfire43]

This Sunday I am scheduled for a T3 MRI.....The Dr said it would take approx 2-3 hrs cuz they wanted to do....the Brain, Cervical and Thoracic......I understand the Brain one.....and kinda the Cervical.....cuz as it is I cant turn my head or upper shoulders now... theres usually intense pain in my upper back between the shoulder blades ( driving is a challenge...but I gotta to go to work)  but I dont understand why hes wanting a Thoracic too:(    So can ANYONE  plz plz tell me what hes looking for AND why?!   Id greatly appreciate it guys:)

[Sumanadevii]

You have already been dxed.  My guess is he is looking for active lesions on your spine.  If the pain between your shoulders is new....makes sense to run another MRI....

[anon07072023]

Hi and welcome. I see that you already have a diagnosis of MS. With your mobility issues, bladder problems, and now your pain between your shoulder blades your doctor is just being very thorough. You can also have lesions in your spine with MS.  I have lesions in my t-spine and my c-spine.  I also had a brain, c-spine, t-spine and a lumbar MRI, but not on the 3T MRI.

You shouldn't worry too much about it. If you are claustrophobic, they can usually give you something to calm you down.  

[jensequitur]

That's great - you really need an MRI of the entire spinal cord and brain if you're being considered for MS.  As Addi says, the back symptoms make it sound like you've got something going on.

I have several lesions in my upper back, between the shoulderblades.

[addicted2harleys]

Hi, spitfire-

I don't think we have met yet, so glad to see you join our little web family.  

Your doc is being thorough.  If he suspects or wants to rule out MS, then he is looking for lesions in your spine, not just in your brain.  He also may want to see all of your spine/back because of the issues you are having in your cervical area.  

Hope this helps,
Addi