MRI scans
The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) clearly shows the size, quantity and distribution of lesions or plaques in the brain and sometimes in the spinal cord.
The MRI is a very useful tool due to its ability to demonstrate changes in MS activity over time.
By injecting a contrast agent into a vein in the armpit or forearm, “new” lesions in an early inflammatory stage can be made more visible.
MRI scans allow the visualisation of lesions associated with MS. Together with supporting evidence from medical history and neurological examination, MRI lesions are a very significant indicator of MS.
Having an MRI scan
MRI is a highly sensitive technique used to image lesions in the brain. Having an MRI scan can actually be quite boring for the person being scanned, because it takes a little while. A normal scan may take 10-20 minutes during which the person is asked to lie absolutely still on a table that moves inside a large tube. It can be quite noisy and feel a bit cramped.
In many centres you will be given earplugs or can listen to music.
You will be handed an alert button for communication with the radiologist while lying in the tube.
No X-rays are used during an MRI scan, so the test can be repeated as often as is necessary. Please ask your doctor in case you need more information.
