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, people with MS may get repeat scans to determine the status of their disease and how well their medications are working.

Is the MRI Exam Safe?

Yes. The MRI exam 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 (the metals used in these surgeries are not "magnetic" and the person can be safely placed in the MRI machine):

• 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 exam a bad idea. Tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• Heartpacemaker
• 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 spinal cord stimulators for chronic pain
• Metal in the eye or eye socket
• Cochlear (ear) implant for hearing impairment
• Implanted spine stabilization rods (newer titanium rods and plates are fine)
• Severe lung disease (such as tracheomalacia or bronchopulmonary dysplasia)
• Heartburn
• Obesity (weighing more than 300 pounds may limit which machine can be used)
• Not able to lie on your back for 30 to 60 minutes
• Claustrophobia (which can be handled with sedation)