MRT for MS head | Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis

MRT for MS head

With the help of a magnetic resonance tomography of the head, images of the brain can be made on which multiple sclerosis can be detected at an early stage. Prior to this, the patient is injected with the contrast medium gadolinium, which accumulates in the areas of inflammation so that they can be clearly recognized in the images. The MRI can be used both to diagnose MS and to monitor the further course of the disease.

Based on the recognizable spread of the inflammation, the doctor can assess the type and necessity of therapy. Since centres of inflammation can also occur in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, the MRI should be performed according to the symptoms and the respective site. In unclear cases, an MRI examination of all regions must be performed. Since the MRI is a radiation-free examination, it can also be represented to this extent.

EEG

In electroencephalography (EEG), brain waves are measured to assess brain activity. For this purpose, electrodes are placed on the patient’s head. Brain activity is often measured in response to certain external stimuli.

These are then called evoked potentials. These specific nerve tests can be used to measure how fast a nerve transmits impulses. In the presence of multiple sclerosis, the nerve conduction speed is reduced because the insulating layer surrounding the nerves is damaged.

The doctor uses so-called evoked potentials to determine how long the nerve takes to transmit an external stimulus to the brain. Electrodes are placed on the scalp or on the arms and legs which can measure the incoming impulses. The doctor then stimulates the patient with a specific external stimulus.

There are different types of stimuli that can be tested. One is visual stimuli, which can be particularly important in the early stages of MS, and which, if time is prolonged, may indicate damage to the optic nerve.Somatosensory stimuli can also be measured; these are stimuli that are triggered on the skin. Acoustic stimuli can also be measured and may indicate damage to the acoustic nerve.