Diagnosing MS with MRI

Widespread use
of MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) has revolutionized the ability to diagnose multiple
sclerosis. Disease-related changes in the brain
or spinal cord are detected by MRI in more than 90% of people suspected of
having MS.

What Is MRI?

MRI is a test
that produces very clear pictures of the human body without the use of X-rays.
It uses a large magnet, radio waves and a computer to produce these images.
MRI can often
detect damaged areas in the brain or spinal cord that would be missed by other
imaging techniques such as a CAT scan.

Why Do I Need to Get an MRI?

• To
  detect MS. MRI is considered the best
  test to help diagnose MS. However, 5% of people with MS do not have
  abnormalities detected on MRI; thus, a “negative” scan does not
  completely rule out MS. In addition, some common changes of aging may look
  like MS on a MRI.
• To
  track the progress of disease. Although they aren’t widely
  needed, people with MS may get repeat scans to determine the status of
  their disease and how well their medications are working.

Is the MRI Exam Safe?

Yes. The MRI
exam poses no risk to the average person if appropriate safety guidelines are
followed. Many people who have had heart
surgery and people with the following medical devices can be safely
examined with MRI:

• Artificial
  joints
• Staples
• Many
  cardiac valve replacements (check with your doctor)
• Disconnected
  medication
  pumps
• Vena
  cava filters
• Brain
  shunt tubes for hydrocephalus

Some conditions
may make an MRI exam a bad idea. Tell your doctor if you have any of the
following conditions:

• Heart
  pacemaker
• Cerebral
  aneurysm clip (metal clip on a blood
  vessel in the brain)
• Pregnancy
  
• Implanted
  insulin
  pump (for treatment of diabetes), narcotics pump (for pain
  medication), or implanted spinal cord  stimulators  for chronic
  pain
• Metal in
  the eye or eye socket
• Cochlear
  (ear)
  implant for hearing impairment
• Implanted
  spine stabilization rods (newer titanium rods and plates are fine)
• Severe lung
  disease (such as tracheomalacia or bronchopulmonary dysplasia)
• Heartburn
  
• Obesity
  (weighing more than 300 pounds may limit which machine can be used)
• Not able
  to lie on your  back for 30 to 60 minutes
• Claustrophobia
  (which can be handled with sedation)

How Long Does the MRI Exam Take?

Allow two hours
for your MRI exam. In most cases, the procedure takes 40 to 80 minutes; during
that time, several dozen images may be taken.

What Happens Before the MRI Exam?

Personal items
such as your watch, wallet (including any credit cards with magnetic strips
that can be erased by the magnet), and jewelry should be left at home if
possible or removed prior to the MRI scan. Secured lockers are available to
store personal possessions.