Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

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Bon67 09/27/2012

I went for my 2nd Brain MRI today, this time with contrast. The 1st one I had showed 4 lesions on the brain, but the contrast didn't light them up, so he said he wasn't sure what it was. I did get an MRI of the spine, but nothing was said about it, never did get one of the neck. My question is...if the contrast doesn't light up the lesions, does that mean they are not active? and if so, how can I have all these symptoms still? I'm soooo confused about this MS stuff.

deleted_user 09/27/2012

Dear I am heading off to bed and was just going to read threads, not ty to type.I am thinking of you and your frustration.It had to be a shitty day for neuro appts, read Lisa C post.She like you,e and alot of people on this site are ready to tie our neuros to our body for a day so they can feel all our symptoms.please get some sleep-Ellen

Bon67 09/27/2012

Thanks Ellen, nite nite.

deleted_user 09/28/2012

The only purpose to have a contrast is to see active areas. They are not lesions yet. They are lesions in development. That helps to see how ms is progressing. However in no less than six weeks these active areas become lesions that can now be seen by regular mri. However it is possible for some active areas and subsequently lesions not to show up on any mri due to their location. And if there are cervical lesio s but mri is done on brain only they will obviously. Ot be accounted for. As a rule of thumb relapse is when a symptom lasts 24 or more hrs and is separated from previous episode by at least 30 days. I am not sure how this is applicable to progressive ms. Hope that helps. Be well

Bon67 09/28/2012

That does help, thank you! My gut is telling me to get a MRI of the neck. :)

oleblue 09/28/2012

I've had 4 MRI's and I went from 3-5-8-40 lesions and have never had a lesion light up, even with my last Flare that got me my DX. It does seem wierd that they would do the brain and spine and skip the neck. Maybe you should call and ask where they did the last MRI and just double check.
Take Care
Dave

Bon67 09/28/2012

Thanks David, I will do that.

oleblue 09/28/2012

Bon,
So Sorry you have to run the gauntalnt, but if you don't advocate for yourself who will? I sorry it sounds so cold my reply, but no one but you will stepping up to the plate for you so I do wish you find something else and you don't even have to say it because it sounds bad but the truth may lie in the middle. I do wish you the best and maybe it's not MS but something so much more easy to fix.
Good luck I hope you get the answers your looking for.
Take Care
Dave

deleted_user 09/28/2012

Yes I would go ahead and get MRI of neck/spine.You take care of yourself Ellen

deleted_user 09/28/2012

Hi Bon, I thought I would share what I know about your questions. You asked if the lesions are not active, how can you still have all the symptoms....

From my understand that is because the lesions have already caused damage and it is that damage that causes the symptoms. This is why you can have symptoms daily and not be in a flair.

I hope that helps a little...
(((hugs))))

Bon67 09/28/2012

Thank you everyone for all your help. I will keep you all posted. (((hugs)))

deleted_user 09/29/2012

Good point from David-when I read the orig post I missed that they already did spine MRI.Yes when mine was done it was NECK and Spine. Ellen

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