How often do you get an MRI?

[ghostgirl]

I'm just wondering how often everyone gets an MRI after they have been diagnosed. Minus flares.

[Tomjadg]

I'm on Ty, and am +, so I get the brain MRI every 3 months. 22 infusions so far.
I don't get the others, because even if there are more lesions, there isn't much else I can do.

Just saw a bill for the first time(covered by insurance).
MRI=$3,300.
Dye for contrast=$260. WoW!

[KyleW]

For me it's every 6 months. I'm getting Tysabri and the MRI's are part of the JCV/PML detection protocol.

Kyle

[ghostgirl]

Oy, I didn't even post mine, sorry everyone.

I get my 2+ hour one every year. I went from not minding to one bad experience of the air not working right and now I am kind of a wreck when the time comes. I am on Copaxone btw.

Is the every 6 mths. just of the head or more?

[Scooter24]

Brain MRI only every 6 months for PML detection per VA protocol, dont bother will any others anymore,

[TLC_31]

My first MRI was nine years ago, just before diagnosis. I've had four others since, all for monitoring, not because of relapses (although I had a pair) or anything specific. All were brain-only, with and without contrast, lasting about an hour. The first three on 1.5 Tesla machines, the last two on 3.0 Tesla machines.

My last MRI was a little more than two years ago. Because the course of my disease has been relatively benign, and because each MRI is spendy (the last one cost me $1,800) I'm hoping to not have one again for a while.

[Alicious]

I am to have a yearly scan of my brain, unless I have flares, at which point I will have them more often and of my c-spine, etc.

[MarkLavelle]

I'm only a couple of years into this, but my neuro seems to be thinking annual brain scans. Since it's a university clinic I expect they just like to have lots of data...

At my Nov. appt. he decided to order another c-spine, but he hadn't planned to. I think it was something I said, but I can't remember what. Maybe he had forgotten about my (biggest) lesion at C2 and I reminded him?

[Toomnyhats]

For my annual neuro appt last summer doc wanted the works b/c it had been 3+ yrs since the last one. I ended up getting brain only b/c we had not met insurance deductible & our budget couldn't handle the whole thing. My brain scan was free thanks the MS Society.

Barring anything bad happening, doc wants them every 3 yrs - that's often enough for me!

[ghostgirl]

Hmmm. Perhaps I will be asking for a break this year, barring anything new of course. And I guess if the GB12 is available by November I'll have to since that's what they want to switch me to as soon as it's out.

I was just curious really. I don't know another person near my age with MS so thanks everyone.

[MyGirlsMom]

Tommy, that is great the the NMSS helped with coverage. I am active in fundraising for the NMSS....the organization does a lot to help the MS community, besides the research support, but not everyone sees that side of it. Thanks for sharing!

[owlnona]

Hi! I've been doing this almst 13yrs. at 1st. it was every 3mo. than it was 4, after a year every 6mo. Now it's once a year,unless I have a flair.
God Bless, Owlnona