Brain White Matter v.s. Grey Matter FYI

[sashaming1]

cando-ms.exhibits.elevate.c...

"For many years, research in multiple sclerosis (MS) focused mainly on white matter, but today the focus is different. White matter is definitely important, because about 95% of all MS lesions happen there. But new research shows that when MS damages grey matter, the impact is much greater than once believed."

"Brain lesions can lead to multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms and relapses. We now know that grey matter lesions are closely associated with the cognitive and physical changes related to MS."

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

That's pretty interesting sashaming1 just from glancing through it. My lesions are all over the place.🤣 🤗💕🌠

[sashaming1 in reply to Jesmcd2]

I underestand that most MRIs don't record lesions in the brain's grey matter(?)

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to sashaming1]

🤔 my very 1st MRI that put me on this Rd The so called Dr said that I had lesions in my gray matter, because of migraines. He completely missed the huge MS lesions forming. Should've heard that call!🤣🤗💕🌠

[mrsmike9 in reply to sashaming1]

From what I understand it takes a stronger machine to see the grey. I don't know how many of them are available.

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to mrsmike9]

Hey I could be wrong, that was 5yrs ago and I have MS. 😒🤣🤗💕🌠

[rjoneslaw]

good read

[mrsmike9]

I've been bringing up grey matter for years at the neuro's office! Unfortunately I don't see the actual neuro anymore but his NP. I think she doesn't know much about it so she passes it over. I am still trying to find out if their MRI machine is the kind that sees the grey or just the white.

[sashaming1 in reply to mrsmike9]

I understand that a MRI seeing the grey matter takes more time is more expensive.

[mrsmike9 in reply to sashaming1]

Well, too bad! It's our brains!! You would think they would check in the beginning and then maybe every 10 years or so!

[sashaming1 in reply to mrsmike9]

It would take more MRI time and Money rules. Hmmmmmm.

[CV97 in reply to mrsmike9]

I've had both 1.5T and 3T MRIs. The 1.5 was trash and always came back with things like "magnet not strong enough" to see things... So I only get 3T now. I couldn't tell you if those see grey matter.

The clinic I go to has partnered with a university to purchase a 7T machine for clinical/research use. It is set to be installed in July 2020 and operational soon after. I see Neurologist again in July and I'm going to ask him about what it can do. I betcha that baby can see grey matter!

So excited to have that technology available through a local doctor/hospital I already use, since it will be one of only six 7T mri machines available for clinical use in US. I probably won't qualify for an MRI in it, but I bet the imaging quality is phenomenal!

[mrsmike9 in reply to CV97]

Let us know if you get to use it. I'd love to know how it goes.