MS Brain MRIs - White Lesions question
 

The first MRI that was done before I was diagnosed showed up a solid white spot on the right back part of my brain. My question is that I've seen in other MS brain MRIs that the spot is sometimes barely visible, but mine was completely solid white.

Is there a difference in colors or what not?

Sometimes how bright or solid the spot is depends on how active the inflammation is, and how old the spot is. It also (as far as I know) makes a difference if the scan is done with contrast dye. If contrast is used, then active inflammation will light up bright and clear.

Older spots tend to fade over time, although the residual damage can remain in clinical terms. For example. my MRI's show dozens of faded, older lesions, but I still have symptoms (admittedly not as badly as when they were super bright) - even though my disease process is not 'technically' active right now.

I hope that makes sense - and if someone else reads this, and I have it wrong, please feel free to correct me.

Regards

Lyn

I did have a second MRI done with contrast, and he said it was just to prove that it wasn't a brain tumor. Remember, this was before I was diagnosed with MS. He told me over the phone that the results that came back proved it wasn't a brain tumor. Later on in another appointment, he said that even though it doesn't prove it wasn't a brain tumor, doesn't leave out the possiblity that it is. So basically he doesn't know why the white spot is there?? Which is why he waiting until July 2nd to get another MRI done on my brain to see if there is anything that has happened?

From what I have ever seen, personally, on-line about brain tumors. They will be either little round ball shapes or will show up more gray and, how to describe, darker in color. There are photos out there, that you can seek out yourself.

For what it's worth, my neurologist, told me, I have too many to count.

If your doctor was just speaking out loud to himself, that seems like poor 'bedside' manners to me.

In the beginning, it doesn't sound abnormal to me, to have an MRI within three months of dx, then to space out to six months, then yearly. He may be seeing any difference, from the time you began Rebif? Not sure, that's mere speculation, on my part. Did you ask him, specifically why he's having them so close together?

Usually is a good idea to jot down questions, in a notebook, specifically for your illness, then write down the answers as you get them. I'd imagine he wouldn't mind waiting for you to jot down notes, as you ask him questions. And if he cannot do that for you, then perhaps, a new neurologist would be in order?

Post screenshots of your first & last mri showing lesion in my mri thread. Let's all take a look.

I don't have my 2000 ones. But I can do 2007 and the others...