MRI & Labs
I don't have a dx yet and dr is concerned about my cognitive issues and all the other stuff going on like weakness in leg with abnormal gait, joint pain that comes and goes, headaches, balance issues and so on.
I have an upcoming MRI and wondered if this will show everything that is going on up in the noggin or is a brain MRI based on if they're looking for MS versus dementia versus tumor, etc. AND will it make a difference if the MRI is done while I'm having less issues versus a week that I'm having a flare or whatever it is called with lots of symptoms?
And my other question is for the lab work ordered wondering if it's best to wait for a day that the inflamation, etc is high since this is to rule out things like autoimmune stuff?
With these things costing so much and I've not covered my deductible I don't want to waste the money and hope to go about this the right way. It's taken 3 years to get the referral to this dr.
Oh and will the brain MRI also show any spinal lesions like in the neck? Or no, it won't show anything but the brain itself?
anyone know?
Hi, pinkprincess! These are great questions and I will do my best to answer them. A good MRI *should* be able to rule out or help diagnose certain conditions. Lesion activity or scarring should be spotted in an MRI. But, many neurologists like to scan both the head and the spinal column to check for lesion activity in both areas, just to be safe. An MRI may not be the best indicator for other conditions, like dementia or Parkinson's. An MRI can show brain shrinkage, which can be a sign of dementia, but that is only one indicator used to make that diagnosis. And, if your physician is also doing labwork for autoimmune conditions (like Rheumatoid Arthritis), it *should* show up in the bloodwork, regardless of levels of inflammation on that particular day. Notice that I kind of hedge my *shoulds*, for good reason. Some conditions don't like to follow a script and not everything always shows up during testing. However, doctors rely on other testing criteria as well, like a physical exam, medica history, etc, to make a diagnosis of MS. I totally understand wanting to make the most of your tests to save both time and money (and the hassle of testing), and I think it's wise to think about these things. I would definitely bring your questions up with your physician so he/she knows what you are thinking and how you are wanting to proceed. I do hope the MRI goes smoothly and that you get some clear answers very soon! Keep us posted, if you feel comfortable doing so. Best, Erin, MultipleSclerosis.net Team Member
Oh, sorry. I forgot to add; an MRI should show lesion activity on the neck, but I would definitely clarify this with your physician and the Radiologic Technologist BEFORE the procedure, just to be safe! Make sure you are getting a head and neck MRI. I think this is generally the norm, but it never hurts to clarify. No reason to waste your time and money having to go in twice if you don't need to!
Best, Erin, MultipleSclerosis.net Team member.
