MRIs and multiple sclerosis

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a scanning tool that used for (almost) every medical condition including multiple sclerosis (MS). The machine (or the ‘tunnel’) uses large tubular magnet to take images of the relevant body part.

The way an MRI is performed is called the MRI technique. Different techniques use different aspects of the MRI to capture certain images. For example, some techniques will show density, like bones as light areas on the picture, other techniques may show it as dark.

The person who does the actual scanning is called a radiographer, the person who interprets the information on the picture is called a radiologist. This interpretation can take a few days to be complete. There is no radiation involved in MRI.

An MRI can capture changes in the brain and spinal cord, so it is an important diagnostic tool for MS. MRI can take images of the brain and spinal cord that show damage to particular areas and damage that has certain characteristics that are consistent with MS. These areas of damage are commonly called lesions. The damage related to MS that MRI can help detect includes lesions, active inflammation and permanent loss of neurons. It is generally thought an MRI doesn’t capture all lesions and activity in MS. As technology advances, the images can be clearer and more detailed and this enables more sensitive detection of MS related change.

What is the significance of a lesion?

It is important to know that lesions and damage can occur in the brain and spine for many different reasons. Lesions can also occur in people with no diseases but are part of normal processes or ageing. These lesions don’t cause any change to a person’s functioning.

A lesion or area of damage is not necessarily associated with a change in a person’s function. People can develop lesions and not be aware of them.

The diagnosis of MS is not usually made just with MRI, but considers other factors such as diagnostic tools, a person’s medical story and the physical neurological examination.

Types of MRI scan

Two types of MRI scan are generally carried out when looking for MS lesions: inflammation, and loss of neurons.

The main type of scan used in the technique is a T2 image. This is used to help determine the total number of lesions or the overall disease burden. T2 lesions appear as bright whiter spots on the scan, which indicate areas where the myelin sheath has been damaged or destroyed. Changes in the brain due to factors such as migraines or the ageing process also appear as bright spots on a T2 scan, which is why it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish the lesions seen in MS from the normal changes.

Although less useful for diagnosis than a T2 image, the other type of image that can be taken is a T1 image. Areas where nerve cells have been permanently lost or damaged appear as dark areas on this type of scan. A T1 scan can also show areas of swelling (oedema) that aren’t permanent but can reflect active inflammation.

Contrast agents (Gadolinium)

Contrast agents, or Gadolinium (often called dye or gad,) is an inert material or contrast agent that when injected into a vein through an intravenous cannula can travel to the brain and highlight areas where cells of inflammation are very active and causing inflammation.

Contrast agents are used in MS as part of diagnosis and then to detect if there is possible relapse activity indicated by active inflammation in the brain and spine. Small amounts of some contrast agents may remain in the brain after a scan.

Studies have found no evidence that these deposits cause any harm long term, but recommended using the lowest dose required for a clear image. For this reason, contrast agents are often only used in MS for scans at diagnosis, or when someone is suspected to be having a relapse. Routine monitoring scans are usually done without contrast.

When having contrast agents, some people will get a metallic taste in the mouth; less than 2% of people might feel nauseated.

Contrast agents used for MRI are different to those used for CT and X-ray contrast studies. MRI contrast agents have lower rates of anaphylactic reaction and are given at much lower doses than those used for CT.

In people with severe renal (kidney) disease there are risks of damage to the renal system with contrast agents. This is a rare but serious condition and deaths have occurred. For this reason, your GP or neurologist may require you to have a blood test before the contrast as a precaution.

Is an MRI risky?

There are no significant medical risks associated with MRI, other than it uses a very powerful magnet, so all internal and external objects must be removed from your body. Because of this risk, you will be asked to complete a screening form before every MRI.

Hearing loss

The loud mechanical vibrations in the scanner can aggravate pre-existing hearing loss and tinnitus. This is usually temporary. While hearing protection is routinely offered to patients, it does not always prevent symptoms

Claustrophobia

Between 2% and 5% of patients cannot tolerate the enclosed space of an MRI scanner. Most MRI sites can provide sedation (usually intravenous) to patients, where it is medically appropriate

Pregnancy

There are no known adverse effects of MRI in pregnancy. It is considered reasonable to perform MRI during pregnancy if the result is required for management during pregnancy and is not available from other tests. Otherwise, it is prudent to defer the MRI scan until after pregnancy (or at least after the first trimester).

MRI contrast agents are relatively contraindicated in pregnancy.

Breastfeeding (lactation)

Breastfeeding is not a contraindication to MRI or MRI contrast agents. It is not necessary for women to stop breastfeeding before or after an MRI, nor does breast milk need to be manually expressed and discarded after MRI.

Visit the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners websiteopens in new tab for more information on possible contraindications.

Preparing for an MRI

MRIs are an important part of monitoring MS activity and most people will have an MRI at least once a year.

For some people, the smaller space in an MRI and the loud banging and buzzing sound of the machine can make them feel anxious or nervous. Below is some information and advice to help make your scan a smoother experience:

• Make sure you ask and know where you need to go and where to park before the scan. Having stress around travel and parking adds to the stress you may already feel.
• Make sure you have discussed with the MRI centre the costs involved with an MRI. If you need to discuss options for payment, such as bulk billing or private funding, contact your GP or the MS Nurses at MS Plus to talk about options. There are a number of options you can consider that will involve reduced or no payment.
• Preparing mentally for an MRI can be helpful, practicing mindfulness and breathing techniques and preplanning a reward when you have made it through the scan.
• An MRI scan itself will take approximately 20 to 30 minutes, if you just have a brain scan. If you have a brain and spinal scan it can take about 45 mins. The whole appointment usually takes 1 to 3 hours.

At the MRI appointment

• You will need to complete a safety check screening form. This will cover questions about safety and risks, such as if you have any metallic implants, past surgeries, or any trauma-related injuries. It will also include questions about things such as previous MRIs, claustrophobia, blood tests and pregnancy.
• Are there any implanted devices? Pacemakers? Infusion pumps?
• Have any wires been left in the patient? Pacing leads? Wire markers in catheters?
• You will need to change into an examination gown and must remove all metal from your body (including some jewellery), as the machine uses a strong magnet. It’s better to remove jewellery before you arrive, so there are no issues with storage or removal.
• You will most likely be given earphones to have on to reduce the noise.
• The radiographer doing the scan will leave you alone in the room with a buzzer and voice microphone. They can also see you through the window.
• It can be helpful to get a better understanding of the sounds you may here during your scan. There are many examples on YouTube. Watch the 'What does an MRI sound like' video now.opens in new tab

If you are anxious, claustrophobic or have other requirements

• If you are feeling anxious or stressed about the idea of your MRI, it may be worthwhile chatting to your GP or neurologist to obtain a mild sedative to take before the MRI. In many radiology centres, you are not able to take the sedative before you arrive as you may not be competent to complete the safety check screening form. The general practice is people arrive, complete the safety check screening form, and take the sedative 30 minutes before the MRI. It is better to always tell the centre your plan and they can work it out with you.
• There are options for people who are very claustrophobic or suffer extreme anxiety to have an MRI with complete sedation. You can discuss this option with your GP, MS team or medical imaging centre.
• Another tip may be to close your eyes when you first lie on the bed and keep them closed for the entire scan. Many people find this helpful.
• For people with assisted mobility needs, your medical imaging centre will help guide you through your options. You are not able to stand during MRI and will need to lie on the bed.

After your MRI

Many centres will now provide you with a copy of your MRI on a disc or a link to access the MRI via your mobile phone or online. It is very useful to have copy of your own scans to take to our neurologist or to keep with you if you are travelling long term or consider changing medical services. You can also ask for copies of reports.

For routine monitoring, it is generally discouraged to change the medical imaging centre where you have your scans done as machines can be slightly different and comparisons from your previous scans are vital to monitor your progress. There may also be reasons why you need to change, such as accessing a more advanced MRI machine. You can ask your neurologist about this.

Neurologists and radiologists work together to understand the results of the scan. It’s challenging and complex, so if you are interested in understanding your MRI it's best to ask your neurologist or MS nurse to explain it to you.

Read more about diagnosing MS.opens in new tab