black spots on MRI

[confused670]

I have been going through the process of being diagnosed with something. Neuro says probable MS. I just had an MRI of my brain and spine. I am curious as to what the black spots are. They didn't show until the pics with the contrast so wondering if they are normal or if they are lesions, maybe active lesions or something?

[Lulu54]

Hi confused and welcome, I'm sorry your questions wasn't seen earlier.  AS you may notice on our forum, we try to acknowledge each and every question even if we don't have an answer.

Looking at our own MRIs is something we advise against and we all do it anyway!!  LOL  They are hard to understand and all those spots create worry to us without really knowing what those are.  

Radiologists spend years learning to understand the images and nuances of MRIs and the best way to understand this is to get the rad's report and then review the images and report with your neurologist.

Good luck with getting answers and feel free to come back with more questions or comments

be well, Lulu

[COBOB]

GAD should not show up hypointense (black) of post-contrast T1 sequences  GAD will show hyperintense (bright) in T1 sequences for "active" demyelinating lesions that show up as hyperintese on T2 and FLAIR sequences.  GAD only helps determine the age of an MS lesion.

There are "black holes" (gliosis) that show up on T1 sequences, but they should look the same, pre and post GAD.   None of us are radiologist so this may or may not help you.

The best advise is to go over the images with your doctor.  I try not to look at my own images since I tend to see things that are not there or are just normal anatomy.

Bob

[confused670]

guess no one can answer my question. thanks for your time i will look for answers elsewhere.