MRI's

[Iluv2preemies]

For those diagnosed with MS how often do you have to have MRI's?
I have mine about once a year, is that about the norm?
Lisa

[misslux]

I'm PPMS so now on every two years unless something weird happens.

[22cyclist]

Depending on what medication you take, every year is the norm, unless you have a big exacerbation, then they might do more than that just to check. I am on Tysabri and some folks get checked every 6 months or more often if they are JCV positive. I get checked every year just like regular since I am JCV- still.

Hope you are doing well.

Take care
Lisa
Moderation Team

[Camsue]

MRI?

I had one with initial attempt to discover what was wrong in '85 and then had my 2nd one in 2011 with a new Neurologist...so I've only had 2.

[TLC_31]

Depending on what medication you take, every year is the norm, unless you have a big exacerbation, then they might do more than that just to check. I am on Tysabri and some folks get checked every 6 months or more often if they are JCV positive. I get checked every year just like regular since I am JCV- still.

B.S.

Like everything else MS, there is no norm.

My first MRI was in January 2004. I will have my sixth MRI in the next couple of months. That's certainly not one a year. I actually have gone about three years since the last one.

If you're loaded with cash, sure, have one every week. Or maybe you savor the melodies of the machine. Otherwise, ask yourself what you really have to learn from one, and if the results might change the way you attack the disease.

[bubblebabe]

Each MS Center or Neuro will have a standard of care that they apply to MS patients and then tweak based on the individual case. Doctors will want to monitor some patients more and some less.

My first Neuro (regular neuro) did them every 6 months and anytime you had a new symptom.

My MS Center does them once a year unless a big relapse happens and then they will do another one.

The "average" standard seems to be 6 months to a year. Of course this will vary by neuro/Center and with patient input.

[hunterd]

I usually get one every year

[Kimba22]

My MS Specialist also requests I get an MRI once a year (I'm on Tysabri), unless my symptoms warrant them more often.

[MarkLavelle]

Since my dx I've had two annual MRIs (brain & c-spine) and no new sx or significant changes in the MRIs. This year my neuro & I agreed that it was not necessary to scan, since nothing has changed.

[Toomnyhats]

My neuro says every 3 yrs if no problems so that's the schedule I'm on. Since I have to pay for them myself he has to give me a very good reason for needing one.

Thankfully my MonSter is still "mild" so they aren't needed often.

[football-mom]

When I had my first attack, there was a giant lesion in my neck and they initally suspected cancer, so I had one every three months. I was supposed to have one annually after that, but after paying $700-1000 copay for each, I told my doc I needed a financial break and we decided we would discuss any new ones and not just have one because the protocols say so.

I have had two recently, one in October with a big relapse and one last week for starting tecfidera.