MRI: What are they and why you need oneThe MRI is an important tool in the diagnosis and treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). Different sequences showed in these types of tests provide different ways to look at what’s going on in the brain and spinal cord. When Multiple Sclerosis is suspected, a study of the brain is commonly done for two main reasons:
In general, a study of the spinal column is not repeated after receiving a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. The most common sequences used in MS are T1, T2 and FLAIR. An injected dye, gadolinium, can be used to “enhance” a T1 sequence. These different sequences provide different information about the impact of MS on the brain. In the T1 sequence the lesions in the brain will appear to be black if the nerve axons have been destroyed (That’s where the name “black holes” comes from). Where the axons have been transected we see “T1 black holes” which show there has been a loss of structure. A gadolinium enhanced T1 sequence is used to detect active inflammation and new disease activity. What you see can vary, depending on variables such as:
Normally, a T2 sequences shows:
Lesions (MS plaques) will appear as white spots, that's why you will hear the phrase “counting white spots.” This sequence shows “old lesions” and provides a measure of how active the MS inflammatory process has been over time. Something you should remember when planning to go visit your neurologist is to take with you your most recent MRI and the previous one so that your doctor can compare both tests and see how much (if any) progression of the disease has taken place. The FLAIR sequence is a modification of the T2 sequence. It provides essentially the same information as the T2 sequence but it is more sensitive for disease About Me | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact Me New! CommentsHave your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below. |
