Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

The key tool used to diagnose MS and monitor MS lesion activity.

Unlike an X-ray, which emits radiation to produce an image, an MRI uses a swinging magnetic field. This magnetic field excites the nuclei centre of your cells, releasing a radio signal that produces an image. MRIs are especially important in MS for visualising lesions and scarring in the brain and spinal cord.

References:
MS Trust. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Available at: https://www.mstrust.org.uk/a-z/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri. Accessed April 2020.