Multiple Sclerosis Lesions

Multiple Sclerosis lesions, also called plaque or white spots, are able to be seen on an MRI. They are areas in the central nervous system (CNS) that have become inflamed. The result of demyelination, the lesions can be located anywhere in the brain or along the spinal cord.



When lesions are in the central nervous system, neurons can't move impulses throughout the system very well. That is why you have the symptoms associated with MS. The symptoms you have depend on the location of the various white spots.

Spots on an MRI

When your neurologist orders an MRI, it's usually because he suspects the symptoms you have may point to MS. This is usually after your doctor has performed several other tests in his office.

They may ask you to perform simple tests like touching your nose and then the tip of his finger several times. Or following his moving finger with your eyes. Doing this may make you feel a little silly but they tell the doctor certain things. These tests along with several others let the doctor know that something is wrong in your CNS.

Once the MRI is done, your neurologist will look at the results on his computer. (They used to be on film similar to an x-ray - now they're on CDs). Cir usually gets a copy and we're able to take it home and see what the doctor sees.

What the spots mean

Multiple sclerosis lesions are pretty easy to see. They may be very small and some larger. They may be in one area of the brain or sprinkled throughout. As I said earlier, the location of the lesions, determines the type of symptoms you have.

After Cir's last MRI, the doctor and technician said they saw no change from his prior test. That was good. This explains why Cir hasn't had any new symptoms in quite awhile.

Another thing the doctor once told us was that the location of the lesions doesn't necessarily show the severity of the disability you may have. One person may have severe disability with just one plaque. Another may have barely any with a plaque in the same or similar location.

That is why an MS prognosis is so hard to predict. Most doctors won't even try until they have watched your progression for several months or even years. After that time, they may be able to say what type of MS you have and what will possibly happen in the years to come.

So when you have multiple sclerosis lesions are part of your life. Too bad you can't just get a bottle of spot remover and wash them out. Quick and easy. Unfortunately, it's not that easy.



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