Taking an MRI of MS brain tissue is how doctors are able to locate lesions. The MRI of Multiple Sclerosis patients shows exactly where the lesions are and if they are active or not. The MRI process is a bit time consuming, but relatively uncomplicated. MS patients Before the MRI takes place, the patient might be injected with gadolinium. This colorless dye helps active lesions show up on the completed scan. The dye will only be injected if the radiologist deems it necessary.

To inject the gadolinium, the patient is first given an IV of saline solution. This IV is to prevent the vein from clotting as the dye is administered. A cool sensation might be felt as the dye works its way into the arm and through the rest of the body. Once the dye has made it through the body, the scan can begin.

Ear protection is provided …

Lesions are basically scars caused by any number of things; trauma, illness, or infection, just to name a few. MS lesions are scars caused by the demyelination of nerves in the spinal cord and brain. As more damage occurs, the number of lesions increases, which tends to be the case as Multiple Sclerosis advances.

Doctors are able to determine how much damage is done by the number and size of the lesions seen. MRI pictures of MS lesions help a doctor get a better idea of how much demyelination has already occurred and which lesions have reactivated. Of course there are always instances where nerves have been damaged and then remyelinated themselves. When this happens, the lesion may not show up at all.

The effects of MS Lesions on Brain

An abundance of lesions on the brain can sometimes cause certain symptoms to arise. Brain lesions cause changes in the …