can you have MS with an MRI that is "OK?"

Hi Carol,

I just saw your question and although it's been awhile, I thought I'd try to answer it.

Diagnosing MS can be very challenging as there is not one single test relied upon to make the diagnosis.  It would also be rare that a diagnosis could be made solely on a MRI.

There could be many different reasons for the numbness you are experiencing.  Just a couple of years ago I was experiencing numbness and great pain in my hands radiating up to my elbows.  I thought for sure it was the MS, but the neurologist disagreed.

My neuro diagnosed carpal tunnel syndrome and we tried to treat that, but unsuccessfully.  After he referred me to a hand surgeon who gave me steroid injections in my wrists, it was suggested that I consult a rheumatologist.  It was the rheumatologist who easily diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis.  After beginning treatment for that, the numbness and pain went away and haven't returned (and I didn't need that carpal tunnel surgery.)

This is certainly not to say that you have rheumatoid arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome, but that properly diagnosing something can be complex.  When MRIs are used to diagnose MS, there is a particular protocol which is required including the use of a contrast agent which highlights leaks in the blood-brain barrier.

But by now, you've already had your appointment with your primarily doctor.  I'd be curious to know what was determined to be the cause of your numbness.

If you could, come back and update.  If it turns out that you are looking at an MS diagnosis, we certainly are here to lend an ear and support.

My best,

Lisa

Lisa has already done such an excellent job at answering your question but I just want to add my personal experience to the mix.  I want to say yes it is possible.  I had one incident of optical neuritis over ten years ago and subsequent MRI's back then.  They turned out clean and the neurologist ruled out MS at that time.  Ten years later I experienced weakness in my limbs and feeling off balance and optical neuritis.  This time the MRI clearly showed lesions. 

Of course my experience is just one experience of many.  Odds are most people with a clean scan are not going to develop MS. 

Keep plugging away for answers from your doctors.  I know it must be so hard to be in limbo and not have a definitive diagnosis.  Sometimes it takes a lot of time to figure things out. 

Let us know what happens.  We will be here.

After a lumbar puncture and 7 or 8 MRI's did any presence of MS show up, before then all was negative...GOD BLESS...John