There’s also no single test that can confirm a diagnosis of MS.
The emergence of advancedmagnetic resonance imaging (MRI)techniques, however, has revolutionized the detection of MS.
This article will review how different types of MRI scans can help support an MS diagnosis.
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The CNS is made up of your brain, spinal cord, and the optic nerves of your eyes.
During such attacks, fighter cells (called T cells) break through theblood-brain barrier (BBB).
What Is the Blood-Brain Barrier?
Your blood-brain barrier is a tightly joined layer of cells intended to prevent foreign substances from entering the brain.
Depending on their location, these lesions can lead to an array of MS symptoms.
Magnetic fields and radio waves (not radiation) are used to produce these images.
As a large molecule, gadolinium cannot normally pass the blood-brain barrier.
Risks and Contraindications
MRI is rarely associated with any risks or adverse effects.
Are CT Scans Helpful for Diagnosing MS?
Overall, MRIs are significantly more sensitive in detecting abnormalities within the brain and spinal cord tissue.
What to Expect
MRIs are performed in a hospital or freestanding imaging facility.
Beforehand, discuss whether you will be able to drive after the procedure.
If you are given a sedative, you will need someone else to drive you home.
When the MRI technician is ready, you will be asked to lie flat on a bed.
You will be given earplugs or a headset to help reduce the noise of the MRI scanner.
Patients who areclaustrophobicor unable to lie still may receive a sedative to help them relax during the test.
Once you are comfortable, the technician will electronically move the bed back into a magnetic tube-like structure.
You will be able to talk with your technician via an intercom system throughout the test.
They will remove your IV (if one was placed) and help you up from the table.
You will be able to get dressed and go home.
These enhancing lesions indicate that myelin damage and scarring are currently (or recently) occurring.
Keep in Mind
Not all enhancing lesions indicate MS.
Finally, MS researchers are hard at work examiningstem cell transplantations.
These treatments could either promote myelin repair or possibly put patients into long-term remission by rebuilding their immune systems.
Living With MS
No two people with MS experience the disease in the same way.
Instead, focus onoptimizing your quality of lifethrough self-compassion and a take-charge attitude.
Your provider will ask you questions about how you are feeling and perform an exam.
Depending on their suspicions and clinical findings, they may also order various blood and imaging tests.
Know that whether MS is ruled out or in, the diagnostic process can be time-consuming and nerve-racking.
Summary
The diagnosis of MS requires a medical history, neurological exam, and blood/spinal fluid tests.
An MRI is also essential for detecting MS-related abnormalities in the brain and spinal cord.
This is because MS is a complex disease that affects people uniquely.
It requires a thorough evaluation to avoid misdiagnosis and an individually tailored treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Available research suggests that radiation does not lead to the development of MS. A CT scan is not used to diagnose MS, with the exception of ruling out alternative diagnoses.
However, neurologists formally diagnose MS. 2018;55(Suppl 1):S1S9.
National MS Society.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Chernoff D.Principles of magnetic resonance imaging.
Elmore JG, Muller NK, eds.
Waltham, MA: UpToDate.
Klawiter EC.Current and new directions in MRI in multiple sclerosis.Continuum (Minneap Minn).
