What Are the Benefits of Using an Open MRI for MS Patients?

At Mosaic Diagnostic Imaging, Dr. Eric Feldmann utilizes the latest medical technology including Open MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) for the monitoring and diagnosis of neurological disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS is a progressive disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, areas that can be closely examined using Open MRI.

Dr. Feldmann recognizes the value of Open MRI in visualizing MS lesions, or plaques, in the nervous system. These lesions, caused by inflammation that damages the protective covering of nerve fibers known as myelin, are a significant indicator of MS.

The advanced imaging techniques used in Open MRI provide high-resolution, detailed cross-sectional and three-dimensional images. This increased field of view allows for the ability to detect smaller and more subtle lesions that might be overlooked by other imaging techniques. Active areas of inflammation, which may indicate a recent or ongoing MS attack, can also be identified with this method.

In addition to monitoring disease progression, Open MRIs help Dr. Feldmann in diagnosing MS. The McDonald Criteria, a widely accepted diagnostic standard for MS, includes the dissemination of lesions in time and space as observed on an MRI. Longitudinal monitoring of MS progression is also facilitated by Open MRI, allowing for regular scans over time. This enables healthcare providers to evaluate the evolution of lesions, assess disease activity, and monitor the effectiveness of treatments.

The Open MRI machine used at Mosaic Diagnostic Imaging has a less restrictive design compared to traditional closed MRI machines, providing a more comfortable experience for patients. This is especially beneficial for MS patients who may experience mobility issues, discomfort, or anxiety in enclosed spaces.

In summary, under the guidance of Dr. Feldmann, Mosaic Diagnostics leverages the capabilities of Open MRI to provide comprehensive information for patients with MS. This technology plays a significant role in disease monitoring, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment assessment. It also offers patients a more comfortable and less anxiety-inducing experience during their scans.

At Mosaic Diagnostics, our dedicated team led by Dr. Eric Feldmann offers an open MRI scan for MS, a non-invasive imaging procedure that delivers a detailed view of your brain and spinal cord. The procedure involves several stages and requires certain preparations.

Preparation:

Prior to the scan, we will ask you to remove any metal objects such as jewelry, clothing with zippers, or eyeglasses, as they can interfere with our MRI machine’s magnetic field. We will also inquire about any medical implants, as some may not be safe to expose to the machine’s magnetic field. Additionally, a contrast agent may be injected intravenously to enhance the visibility of certain structures, which can induce a brief sensation of coldness or flushing.

Positioning:

During the scan, our trained technicians will guide you to lie down on a flat bed that slides into the Open MRI machine. Our Open MRI does not completely encase your body, providing a more comfortable experience, especially for those with claustrophobia. We may use straps or pillows to ensure your comfort and security.

Scanning Process:

Remaining still during the scanning process is crucial to capturing clear images. Our MRI machine will make loud noises as it generates images from various angles and planes. We provide earplugs or headphones to minimize this noise. The entire scan can take between 30 minutes to an hour or longer.

During the Scan:

You can breathe normally and communicate with our technician throughout the scan using an intercom. If you feel anxious or uncomfortable, we can pause the scan or offer sedation.

After the Scan:

After the scan, we will ask you to wait while the images are processed. Dr. Feldmann or another member of our team will then review these images and discuss the results with you at a subsequent appointment. You can typically return to your regular daily activities immediately following the scan.

What to Expect:

You may feel a warm sensation during the scan, especially if a contrast agent is used. While our Open MRI machine is designed to minimize claustrophobia, some individuals may still experience anxiety. The machine’s noises can be startling, but we will prepare you beforehand. The scan’s duration may require you to remain still for extended periods.

Risks and Considerations:

Our Open MRI is generally safe, however, if you have allergies, you may react to the contrast dye. Pregnant women should inform their doctor before the scan as the effects of the magnetic field on the fetus are not

At Mosaic Diagnostic Imaging, headed by Dr. Eric Feldmann, we understand the value and limitations of using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in diagnosing and monitoring Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a chronic disease affecting the central nervous system. While MRI is an essential tool in visualizing areas of inflammation and damage in the brain and spinal cord, it does have its drawbacks.

A significant limitation of MRI in the realm of MS is its inability to show the full extent of the disease. It is less sensitive to small lesions, and often struggles differentiating between acute and chronic lesions. This can have a significant impact on assessing disease activity.

Furthermore, an MRI cannot distinguish between old and new lesions without the use of contrast dye. This limitation can interfere with the effective monitoring of disease progression over time. It is crucial to note that the use of contrast agents can lead to false positives in patients with inflammation or other conditions.

At our practice, we are aware that MRI scans have limited sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing MS. Findings can vary depending on the imaging protocol, equipment, and the radiologist’s experience, leading to potential discrepancies in diagnosis and assessment. Moreover, practical constraints of MRI, such as claustrophobia, certain metallic implants or devices, severe obesity, or even regional limitations, can prohibit some patients from undergoing an MRI scan.

We also recognize that an MRI is a relatively expensive imaging technique which can limit its use, especially in low-resource settings. Although MRI does not involve ionizing radiation, there is exposure to radiofrequency energy, which can raise concerns about potential long-term effects in certain individuals.

Dr. Feldmann and the team at Mosaic Diagnostic Imaging are committed to providing comprehensive information to MS patients. We understand that while an MRI can provide valuable information about the physical changes in the brain and spinal cord, it does not provide a complete picture of how MS is affecting a patient. Therefore, we place great emphasis on clinical evaluations and patient-reported outcomes in managing MS, alongside MRI.

We remain hopeful and enthusiastic about ongoing advancements in MRI techniques and technologies. These advancements aim to address the existing limitations and improve the accuracy and clinical utility of MRI in MS management. At Mosaic DiagnosticImaging, we strive to stay ahead of these advancements, ensuring our patients receive the most accurate and comprehensive care possible. For more information, contact our team of professionals at Mosaic Diagnostic Imaging or Book an appointment We serve patients from Rockville Centre, NY Lakeview NY, Baldwin NY, Malverne NY, Lynbrook NY, Hempstead NY, West Hempstead NY, South Hempstead NY, North Lynbrook NY, East Meadow NY, Oceanside NY and surrounding areas.