Hi LA

As I recall, the reason they use contrast in our brain MRI's is to see if there are any "active"/inflammed lesions. I guess it might stand to reason that it would be done for the same reason in our spine.

I had (my only) brain and spine MRI's done without contrast, and the results in both instances, showed lesions. Whether they were "officially" inflammed or not, I'm not sure . . . but I had 'em.

They were able to measure my spinal lesions, and confirm which one caused me to be paralyzed (at the time).

Based on my experience, they do not need contrast to see the lesions, only to see if they are active. However, they can determine if they are by our symptoms too though, and a MRI is not even necessary (once dx).

Hope that helps. (Maybe Rex will come around and provide more technical input. )

Cherie