Dr. Michael Fox • May 3, 2021

The Role of MRI Testing in Multiple Sclerosis



Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has revolutionized the ability for doctors to find, diagnose and even treat multiple sclerosis (MS). 

In fact, according to NCBI, its ability to reveal the inflammatory and neurodegenerative processes in the brain and spinal cord has made MRI the most commonly used technique to evaluate patients with MS. 

About multiple sclerosis (MS)
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society defines MS as an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. The cause is still unknown, although scientists believe that a combination of environmental and genetic factors may contribute to its development risks. 

Common MS symptoms
MS occurs when the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibers in your body. This causes communication issues between the brain and the rest of your body. Here’s what that looks like: 
Movement loss and problems, including:
· Weakness or numbness in limbs
· Sporadic electric-shock sensations in neck
· Trembling, tingling in parts of the body 
· Pain in parts of the body

Vision and sight symptoms, including:
· Loss of vision
· Double vision
· Blurred vision

Additionally, MS symptoms may include: 
· Slurred speech
· Dizziness and fatigue
· Problems with sexual function
· Problems with bladder or bowel control
(Source: Mayo Clinic)

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms below, talk to your doctor about scheduling an MRI exam at Upright MRI of Deerfield, the world’s most patient-friendly MRI. 

About magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive way of looking at what’s going on inside the body. It does this by using powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues within. 
Completely safe and non-invasive, MRIs are considered one of the most successful medical inventions in history. And in recent years, new developments in MRI technology have revolutionized the way doctors diagnose and treat MS. 

How MRI identifies MS
If you are experiencing symptoms of MS, your doctor might refer you to get an MRI exam. MRIs allow doctors to find and examine lesions in your central nervous system (CNS). In the images, lesions will show up as white or dark spots. 

Please note that the amount of lesions shown in an MRI doesn’t always mean that a patient has MS. Not all lesions in the CNS are due to MS, and not all patients with MS have lesions. In fact, according to National MS Society, MRI shows there are no lesions in 5 percent of patients with “clinically definite MS” at the time of diagnosis. 

With contrast dye, an MRI can highlight any inflammation of active lesions, which signifies MS disease. They also show areas of permanent damage called “black holes”.  

Treatment and follow-up
Once a patient a diagnosed with MS, MRIs can additionally help in monitoring the disease and in making treatment decisions. If your doctor has you get an MRI and you are diagnosed with MS, you will likely come back for follow up MRIs to see if the treatment is successful. 
While there is no one cure for MS, there are several treatments that can help speed recovery from attacks, control muscle movement, and slow the progression of the disease. 

About Upright MRI of Deerfield: 
Upright MRI of Deerfield is recognized as the world leader in open MRI innovation, offering patients the peace of mind they deserve, and the most accurate diagnoses possible. Our MRI scanner is 70% quieter than other MRIs, and is designed to scan patients in a variety of positions, including standing, sitting, bending and laying down. It is also considered the one true “open MRI”. 
To learn more about scheduling an appointment, please visit our website or call (847) 291-9321. 


SHARE THIS POST:

Leave a Comment:

Upright MRI of Deerfield

The World's Most Patient-Friendly MRI. A comfortable, stress-free, and completely reliable MRI scan. We offer patients an open, upright, standup MRI experience that helps those who are claustrophobic and stress being in a confined area. Upright MRI of Deerfield is recognized as the world leader in open MRI innovation,

LEARN MORE

Our Recent Post

Why Is an Upright MRI Essential for Diagnosing Chiari Malformation?
By Alan R April 20, 2025
Chiari malformation is a neurological condition that can lead to serious symptoms like headaches, neck pain, and dizziness. However, diagnosing Chiari malformation is not always straightforward, especially since its symptoms can be easily mistaken for other conditions. Traditional imaging methods, such as X-rays or MRIs, sometimes fail to fully capture the complexities of the malformation. This is where Upright MRI technology comes into play. It has become an essential tool for diagnosing Chiari malformation, offering clear advantages over traditional MRI techniques by providing dynamic, functional images that help doctors better understand the condition’s impact.
Detection of Whiplash-Related Injuries
By Alan R April 13, 2025
Discover how an Upright MRI can improve the detection of whiplash-related injuries by capturing spinal alignment and soft tissue issues in weight-bearing positions.
Diagnose Cranio-Cervical Instability
By Alan R March 10, 2025
Discover how a positional MRI detects cranio-cervical instability by capturing images in different positions, revealing issues missed by traditional MRIs.
Why Are Traditional MRIs Missing Crucial Pathologies in the Spine?
By Alan R March 3, 2025
Learn why traditional MRIs may miss critical spinal pathologies and how advanced imaging techniques provide a clearer diagnosis for better treatment outcomes.
What Makes Upright MRI the Best Choice for Flexion and Extension Imaging?
By Alan R February 17, 2025
If you’ve been dealing with back or neck pain that seems to change depending on how you move, a regular MRI may not give you the answers you need. Traditional MRIs capture images while you’re lying flat, which doesn’t reflect how your spine behaves when you're sitting, standing, or bending. This is where flexion and extension imaging comes in. It allows doctors to see how your spine reacts to different movements , helping to detect issues that might not be visible in a standard scan. Upright MRI is the best option for this type of imaging because it captures the spine in a natural, weight-bearing position. Unlike traditional MRIs, which only provide a still image, an upright MRI shows how the spine changes when bending forward or backward. This can reveal hidden spinal conditions that only appear when the body is in motion.
How Can Positional MRI Reveal Hidden Spine and Shoulder Issues?
By Alan R February 7, 2025
Discover how positional MRI reveals hidden spine and shoulder conditions by capturing movement-based abnormalities missed by traditional MRIs.
What Should I Know About MRI Knee Scans?
By Alan R January 10, 2025
Learn about MRI knee scans, how they work, what conditions they detect, and how they help in creating accurate treatment plans for knee health.
By Alan R January 3, 2025
Discover how MRI imaging provides detailed insights into knee health, aiding in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plans.
By Alan R December 5, 2024
When dealing with pelvic health issues, accurate diagnosis is critical. Pelvic conditions can be complex, involving a range of organs, tissues, and systems. That’s where MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scans come in. Known for their detailed imaging capabilities, MRIs offer a non-invasive way to assess pelvic health and pinpoint the root causes of various conditions. Here’s an in-depth look at how MRI scans can assist in diagnosing pelvic conditions and why they are a game-changer in medical imaging.
How Can MRI Scans Assist in Diagnosing Cranio-Cervical Instability?
By Alan R December 1, 2024
Cranio-cervical instability (CCI) is a condition that affects the junction where the skull meets the cervical spine. It’s a complex issue that can cause a range of symptoms, from chronic neck pain to neurological problems. Diagnosing CCI requires precision, as the condition often involves subtle changes in ligaments, bones, and other structures. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) has become a vital tool in identifying and understanding CCI, thanks to its ability to provide detailed images without invasive procedures. Here’s how MRI scans can assist in diagnosing cranio-cervical instability and why they’re an invaluable resource for patients and doctors alike.
SEE MORE POSTS

READ PATIENT TESTIMONIALS

Upright MRI of Deerfield.



Susan D.,

Highland Park, 39

I am going to tell everyone about your office! This was a great experience after I panicked in other MRI machines and had to leave. Thank you so much.

Judith B.,

Milwaukee, 61

I suffer from vertigo and other MRIs do not work. This was wonderful…absolutely NO discomfort at all. The MRI was so fast…I wanted to stay and watch the movie! Mumtaz was great. His humor really put me at ease. I’ve already recommended Upright MRI to friends.

Delores P.,

Glencoe, 55

Everything is so nice and professional with your place. I have been there a couple of times. My husband and I would not go anywhere else.

SEE ALL TESTIMONIALS