Hello, I’m Anita and this is my first post. I have been asking my GP for neurology referral as i have had MS symptoms on and off for 10ish years, but am getting worse. In Feb I had a brain MRI which showed white spots on the brainstem. The neurologist referred me for a second brain MRI with contrast, and full spine. However I didn’t have the brain with contrast scan. When i asked why i wasn’t having contrast I was told that the radiologist had said I didn’t need it?? The neurologist has reported that my spine has deteriorated but shows no demyelination. I need to ask if this is normal or should I insist on the brain MRI with contrast? As I believe, the contrast is necessary to date legions? Any advice would be very welcome. Anita
Hi, welcome to the forum. It’s interesting that your neurologist referred for “with contrast”, perhaps something to ask him/her about. For what it’s worth, in all my scans, I’ve never been asked to use contrast. Instead, they compared my latest scan to the one before, to check for any changes.
I was once told that this was to do with the potential side effects due to the use of contrast over time. But definitely a question to add to the list for your neuro!
No demyelination on spinal cord sounds like great news, one to celebrate.
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