Yes, it is different than a brain MRI. And even with a brain MRI, what it shows can be different; that's why I posted about my 2 different brain MRIs. Although the first one (the pituitary study) did show some lesions, it was not sufficient for my MS specialist in trying to get the whole story. In the span of one month, I had 3 separate MRIs because they were all looking for something else. When I had my recent follow-up, my MS specialist was directed by my neuro-ophthalmologist to order the orbital follow-up -- they were two separate prescriptions.