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My neurologist does not do lumbar MRIs. He said MS does not cause lesions in the lumbar area because the spinal cord ends. Is this true? Has anyone here had a lumbar MRI and been told they have lumbar lesions?
The lumbar cord ends just below the last thoracic vertebrae so a thoracic scan actually pretty much picks up the lumbar cord. Therefore there is no reason to do a dedicated lumbar spine mri. The confusion relates to whether you are speaking of the lumbar cord or the lumbar vertebrae. The lumbar cord ie whats visible on a thoracic mri is what important in ms.
The spinal cord ends around L1/L2, so no, most neuros won’t do L spine MRI unless their looking for something else. Often that beginning lumbar area will show on T spine MRIs.
@A MyMSTeam Member. I have learned its always safe to check with another dr.
My neuro also says no. I do have DDD on lumbar but it isn't from ms. I also have lessons in brain, c spine and thoracic spine and on optic nerve.
Now I'm worried, 47, SPMS, last MRI cervical and brain showed lesions L2-L4 and C1-C3. Neuro didn't say anything about this NOT being MS. Concerned, should I get another doctor involved?
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