For those of you DX'ED with MS - question re: MRI

[doublevision1]

Since the time of your definite dx of MS, at what frequency do you have follow up MRI's, if any at all?  Please select the option that best describes your experience.

Could you also provide some detail as to the context, ie: do you have MRI's done on some regular basis, or only have had MRI's when your condition worsened/during an acute relapse/at onset of a new DMD, etc?

What is your neurologist's general opinion of the value of MRI, post-diagnosis?

For those of you in the US, do you have any problems with insurers covering the cost of post-dx MRI?

[Wobbly]

I haven't had one since 2009 when I got Dx.... they said too me that I will have them once in awhile as my symptoms progress or if they progress.

[gypcwmn]

I have MRI`s every 3 months and everytime there are more lesions. But they do not seem to make me any worse. Thank god

[sllowe]

Mine aren't regularly scheduled. I am lined up for new imaging on Monday. This will be my 1st since 08.

Not sure what category to pick for poll.

[johnniebear]

I Have a brain MRI  w/o contrast every 6 months-   once a year for cervical & thoracic to be done at the University Hospital on 3T-  next MRI should be in late April,  then a F/U visit with the MS Specialist ..

DX April 10,2010  no DMD'S yet

[doublevision1]

I am curious about the experiences of those who didnt respond to this poll yet.  Thought I would ressurect it as there are so many new and recently diagnosed members.

[rendean]

I asked that question today from my academic neuro. His usual pattern is to do an MRI 6 months after starting treatment and if stable every 2 years or so unless symptoms or condition  warrant further investigation.

My local neuro will order an MRI at the drop of a hat, I guess for CYA purposes and has ordered more of  my MRIs than anyone else.

The neuro at the MS Center, where I used to go, does MRIs on a yearly basis.

My insurance has always paid for the MRIs, including the MRIs ordered for sudden onset but short-lived diplopia. Never had a problem.

[Quixotic1]

I have had yearly MRIs since Dx.  My neuro is about to put me on every two years since I have been so stable.

I had one MRI done early when I developed L'Hermittes.  That was when my spinal lesions (6) showed up and they only appeared on the 3T.

My neuro clearly feels that the post-Dx MRI is a valuable tool for assessing disease progression.  He also leans on his always detailed exam.

I have Medicare (an Advantage program) and have had ZERO problems with having anything covered.  No questions asked ever.

Q

[gooddays]

Q:  Could you also provide some detail as to the context, ie: do you have MRI's done on some regular basis, or only have had MRI's when your condition worsened/during an acute relapse/at onset of a new DMD, etc?

A:  Once a year, more often if I am having an increase or new symptoms.

Q:  What is your neurologist's general opinion of the value of MRI, post-diagnosis?

A:  She believes they are valuable to follow my condition's progress due to the number of relapses

Q:  For those of you in the US, do you have any problems with insurers covering the cost of post-dx MRI?

A:  I have never had a problem with my insurer covering the cost

Zulma (Gooddays)

[Lulu54]

DV,

I just saw my neuro today and asked him that question - his answer is once a year unless my symptoms call for more often.

I had asked how would we know that the Copaxone is working and interestingly, a followup MRI was the 3rd and optional item on his list of clues.

His answers -  

First, his observational and clinical skills
Secondly, what I tell him about my condition.

Then he said if it was warranted, an MRi would be done for confirmation of his observations and my story.  

Can I just say again, there are good neuros out there and I am so thankful one of them is mine?

my best,

Lulu

[Heather3418]

Q:  Could you also provide some detail as to the context, ie: do you have MRI's done on some regular basis, or only have had MRI's when your condition worsened/during an acute relapse/at onset of a new DMD, etc?
A:  Once a year, more often if I am having an increase or new symptoms.  (Been diagnosed for 14 years)

Q:  What is your neurologist's general opinion of the value of MRI, post-diagnosis?
A:  She believes they are valuable to follow my progress or decline.  She uses them to know what kind of treatment she should add or change.

Q:  For those of you in the US, do you have any problems with insurers covering the cost of post-dx MRI?
A:  I have never had a problem with my insurer covering the cost, since I do not have more MRI's than absolutely necessary.

Heather

[jensequitur]

I've had new MRIs done when I had that myoclonus in my back, but they were useless - on an open MRI, 1.0T.  I would like to have another MRI of my brain to know how things are going up there, and a real MRI of my back, but not with this neurologist!  It's like pulling teeth.