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Multiple Sclerosis: Diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis 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, sometimes someone with MS will get repeat scans to determine how fast the disease is progressing.
Is the MRI Examination Safe?
Yes. The MRI examination 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 examination inadvisable. 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 nerve stimulators ("TENS") for back pain
- Metal in the eye or eye socket
- Cochlear (ear) implant for hearing impairment
- Implanted spine stabilization rods
- Severe lung disease (such as tracheomalacia or bronchopulmonary dysplasia)
- Gastroesophageal reflux (a common disease that causes heartburn)
- Weigh more than 300 pounds
- Not able to lie on back for 30 to 60 minutes
- Claustrophobia (fear of closed or narrow spaces)
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 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.
What Happens During the Exam?
You may be asked to wear a hospital gown during the MRI scan.
As the MRI scan begins, you will hear the equipment making a muffled thumping sound that will last for several minutes. Other than that sound, you should experience no unusual sensations during the scanning.
Certain MRI exams require an injection of a contrast material. This helps identify certain anatomic structures on the scan images.
Feel free to ask questions and tell the technologist or doctor if you have any concerns.
What Happens After the Exam?
Your doctor will discuss the test results with you. Generally, you can resume your usual activities immediately.
Reviewed by the doctors at the Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Research at The Cleveland Clinic (2005).
WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic
Multiple Sclerosis Guide
ENABLEX is a prescription medicine used in adults to treat the following symptoms due to a condition called overactive bladder:
- · having a strong need to go to the bathroom right away (also called "urgency")
- · leaks or wetting accidents (also called "urinary incontinence")
- · having to go to the bathroom too often (also called "urinary frequency")
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
You should not take once-daily ENABLEX if you have certain types of stomach problems, glaucoma, or have trouble emptying your bladder. Side effects of ENBLEX include blurred vision, and more commonly dry mouth, constipation, indigestion, and abdominal pain. Use caution when doing certain activities until you know how ENBALEX affects you.
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