Evaluating microstructural changes in multiple sclerosis with magnetic resonance imaging

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can be difficult to detect, diagnose, and treat. It is often initially assessed by excluding other potential disorders and diseases as well as (where possible) a confirmatory magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam. While MRI can confirm the presence of MS lesions in the brain, the exam is of limited use in explaining or predicting symptoms or prognosis.

Following the initial diagnosis, there are a number of medications that can be used to attempt delay the progression of the disease. However, it is challenging to assess the efficacy of a particular course of treatment unless disease progression is detected through the accumulation of additional disability or a follow-up MRI exam confirms the presence of new lesions.

There may be other changes to the brain which may help scientists and physicians to understand how and why MS progresses and identify how well medications are working for a particular individual. Thus, the objective of this work is to leverage the power of a safe, non-invasive, imaging tool (MRI) to detect and evaluation changes to the brain that can help us better treat patients with MS.