Private MRI question

New diagnosis and before diagnosis
1

Hi Everyone

If I were to pay for a private brain MRI to speed things along,
a) I just read something that said remyelination can mean old lesions don’t show so the MRI may only be of use if you are having an active relapse…is that true?!
b) Would just a normal “head MRI” be sufficient? I’m wondering about this whole “with contrast” thing? I’m waiting for an NHS neurology appt to come through so I don’t feel like I need a full MOT and diagnosis at this point, more a quick “yep, there is something there” to show them, to get the ball rolling, but obviously I don’t want to waste my money, so if without contrast is basically useless for MS lesions then I may as well spend the extra, if it’s a good starting point to show that there is something going on, some white areas, and to then move on to more in-depth scans, I’ll go for it.
Thanks for any advice! X

2

Suggestion - ask the GP to refer you for a private consultation with a neurologist and he/she will then commission the private scan if deemed necessary. It’s often the same neurologist as you’ll see on the NHS down the line.