Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

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Brain & Nervous System
/ Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

How often do you get MRIs?

MsBabs
MsBabs
After my dx 7 years ago, it seemed like I had several MRIs. When I switched to my current neuro 5yrs ago, I thought it was unusual that he never ordered an MRI for me. He said "I treat the patient not the MRI" and I thought that was fabulous at the time. I started Tecfidera last year and expected I would need an MRI at that point to get a baseline reading, but no. Now that I've been on it a year I'm curious to know what's going on in my head, but he still isn't ordering one.

Does anyone else have a neuro with this philosophy? I should add that my doc is very well known in the MS field, and I currently have very mild MS, and there's no reason to think anything is wrong. I'm just curious. Thanks!
djbritt
djbritt
I am going on 4 years with MS. Gosh, it has been 4 years already. My neuro does not want to do a MRI unless I am having issues. But I have done MRI abut every year to about a year and half. I guess it depends on the neuro and how the patient is.
ChrissyH
ChrissyH
I was dx 10 yrs ago & for the first 7 yrs I got a yearly MRI. After that I would get an MRI when starting a new med, for a baseline. Now that I am on Tecfidera I get an MRI 1x/year
marilyn4342
marilyn4342
I am with Chrissy, when I was first diagnosed, I had one every year. I have been on all of the CRAB drugs. I had one every time they changed my Meds.
Rincewind2702
Rincewind2702
My neuro requests a new MRI every time I have a relapse, to see how much damage has occurred.
AusSue
AusSue
I don't have a set period of time but it averages every year or more often if having relapses & in hospital, not always with dye as he doesn't think need that always.
GeminiAmy
GeminiAmy
I get MRIs once a year.
bleedinblue
bleedinblue
Was once a year now if I try a new med been a year and half since last one.
MsRee
MsRee
My Dr does one once a year and this is what my insurance allows as well.
Anne8
Anne8
I had a few at the beginning, but no more for awhile now. As I have progressive MS and am not on disease modifying meds my doc says it isn't necessary, but could send me to have one if I wanted. I didn't, so it's been 4 years I think.
Joshie
Joshie
Diagnosed in 2003; on Betaseron for six years and stopped. MS now inactive (recurring symptoms from earlier attaches mild). I agreed with neuro to see him once a year and MRI every two years. He is more cautious than I am, but I do feel more comfortable with MRI every two years. My insurance okays it, I'm concerned with the possibility of "silent" attacks.
lorrieonline
lorrieonline
Seems I'm just overdo for mine. My neuro seemed comfortable with whatever I felt comfortable with although I'm pretty sure he'd like to have the chance to see if there is any change. I'm sure he thinks I only see him when I need something. I do need to check in. Maybe over Spring break but I don't think I'll have an MRI. Don't like medical bills.
Amazonmom
Amazonmom
I've had an MRI once a year. When I experience relapses or falls I have both brain and spinal. for me it's important to stay on top of what's happening with my spine and brain. I hate laying on that flat, hard board inside the tunnel for as long as I have to. But it eventually gets done. GOOD LUCK with your MRI too.
PharmDFighter
PharmDFighter
I have had MS for close to 17 years and the MRI frequency averages to about 2.7 years for one MRI. I think overall the general rule is to get one when an attach has occurred and/or to get one at least once a year if the insurance allows it.
MsBabs
MsBabs
Thanks for satisfying my curiosity everyone! :)

I'm still on the fence about what I want to do. It's been nearly 6 years since I've had an MRI but I haven't had any sort of relapse in that time... just a lot of annoying symptoms. I don't mind the MRI process (I find it kind of fascinating and psyche myself up by pretending it's an exotic spa treatment! :) ). I guess I would just like to know something oNone way or the other about how my brain looks now. Not that it would change My treatment approach, but just for my own understanding. My next appt is in a few weeks and I will definitely talk to the neuro more about it.
JeffSar
JeffSar
I seem to get an MRI once a year. I would recommend getting one even without any relapse or symptoms. It was an MRI that the neuro determined my MS was progressing without medication, so he restarted me on my medication. An MRI 1.5 years later and there were no new lesions thus confirming the meds were working compared to without meds.
Jeff
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