Supportive, evidence-based insight for women navigating midlife health
Understanding Multiple Sclerosis and Its Symptoms
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective myelin covering of nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. This disrupts the electrical signals between the brain and body, leading to a range of symptoms [1].
Common symptoms include fatigue, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, vision or balance issues, and cognitive changes. Many women in midlife also experience bladder-related challenges—such as urgency, frequency, nocturia, and urge incontinence—when MS affects nerve pathways that control bladder function [2].
Identifying MS accurately is vital because its symptoms resemble those of other neurological and bladder conditions. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a critical role in confirming or ruling out MS.
Why MRI Is the Gold Standard for Diagnosing MS
MRI scans are the preferred tool for identifying MS due to their sensitivity to small lesions—areas of inflammation or nerve damage—in the brain and spinal cord. This method uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce highly detailed images, without radiation exposure [3].
Doctors look for white-matter lesions, often called plaques, which appear bright on T2 or FLAIR sequences. Gadolinium contrast dye highlights actively inflamed lesions, helping separate new lesions from older, inactive ones [4]. MRI findings are used in conjunction with the McDonald Criteria, which require lesions to be present in multiple regions of the CNS and/or show changes over time.
An initial MRI typically scans both the brain and the cervical spinal cord to confirm suspected MS or uncover alternative explanations, like stroke, infection, or other autoimmune disorders [3].
What to Expect During an MRI for MS
Here's a clear, step-by-step overview of what happens during an MRI appointment:
-
Preparing for the scan
You’ll be asked to remove any metal objects and might need to change into a gown. It’s important to let staff know if you have implants or metal devices. -
Positioning and comfort
You lie on a sliding table that enters the MRI machine. Staying still is crucial for clear images. If you feel claustrophobic, an open-bore MRI or mild sedation may be an option. -
Sounds during the scan
Expect loud knocking or humming. Earplugs or headphones are provided to help with comfort. -
Contrast injection
If ordered, a gadolinium-based dye will be injected intravenously. Most people feel a brief sensation of warmth. It's generally safe, with serious side effects extremely rare. -
Scan duration
The entire session may take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the specific protocols being used.
If you're living with MS and dealing with bladder leaks, you're not alone—this is a common symptom that can be especially difficult during appointments like MRIs, where long periods of stillness are required.
That’s why Attn: Grace offers Skin-Safe™, dermatologically tested pads and briefs, designed to be kind to your body while offering dependable, breathable protection. With thousands of positive reviews and a flexible return policy, our products help you feel confident, dry, and dignified—whether you're at home or in the MRI suite.
How MRI Results Guide Ongoing MS Care
MRI scans aren’t a one-time test; they’re a powerful tool for long-term management. Follow-up MRIs—usually every 6 to 12 months—allow neurologists to see if new lesions are emerging or whether existing ones are changing. This provides clear evidence of disease activity or stability.
Detecting new lesion formation early can prompt a shift in treatment strategy, offering more aggressive disease-modifying therapy if needed. Conversely, finding stable MRI results can support continuing current treatments, avoiding unnecessary risks [5]. Essentially, MRI offers a roadmap for personalized care.
Emerging research also shows that advanced MRI techniques—like high-field 7T imaging—can reveal subtle spinal cord changes before symptoms become apparent, offering hope for even earlier intervention [6].
Living Well with MS: What Women Should Know
While there’s no cure for MS, many strategies help women thrive:
-
Pelvic floor physical therapy
Strengthening pelvic muscles can significantly reduce bladder urgency and improve overall control [7]. -
Regular gentle exercise
Activities such as walking, yoga, and light strength training support mobility, reduce fatigue, and uplift mood. -
Energy-saving strategies
Balancing activity with rest, avoiding extreme heat, and prioritizing sleep support daily functioning. -
Mind–body practices
Techniques like mindfulness and meditation have been shown to reduce stress and improve well-being in people with MS [8].
Staying informed, building a supportive care team, and using thoughtfully designed products—such as skin-friendly incontinence gear—can make daily life easier and more empowering.
Final Thoughts
An MRI is one of the most important steps in understanding MS. It’s not a cure, but it provides critical insight into what's happening inside your nervous system, guiding early diagnosis and informed decisions.
For women in midlife facing MS, especially when bladder symptoms enter the picture, compassion and clear information matter just as much as clinical care. From the scan to symptom management to daily comfort, every step along the way can be a source of strength.
References
-
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Symptoms & Causes, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), NIH. 2024. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/multiple-sclerosis
-
Multiple Sclerosis and Bladder Dysfunction, National MS Society. https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Symptoms-Diagnosis/MS-Symptoms/Bladder-Dysfunction
-
Multiple Sclerosis and Radiology, VeryWell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/multiple-sclerosis-and-radiology-5323745
-
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): What It Is & Results, Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/4876-magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri
-
Opportunities for Molecular Imaging in Multiple Sclerosis Management, Thomas et al. Radiology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35471110/
-
Unmasking Spinal Cord Pathology in MS with 7T MRI, Cleveland Clinic. https://consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/unmasking-spinal-cord-pathology-in-ms-7t-mri-reveals-neurodegeneration-beyond-demyelination
-
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy, National MS Society. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8999571/
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in MS, Grossman et al. Neurology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3447554