MRI Sensitivity

[Mark F]

Hi,

My question is about lesion detection using an MRI scanner.

I would like to know how long after a demyelinating disease begins would an MRI scan be able to detect a lesion. In other words, if an MRI scan is done during the first few days of a demyelinating disease beginning could it be too early to detect the demyelination on the scan?

Thanks.

Mark F

[Dr_Gotkine]

Thanks Mark,

Well it actually depends on a number of factors including location of the demyelination, size of the plaque etc.

In general though, if a demyelinating lesion is present and causing symptoms, then we usually see it straight away on the MRI, unless it is too small to be seen at all, in which case the timing is also irrelevant.

May I ask what type of MRI was done (spine / brain) and for what sort of symptoms?