New MRI Method Recognizes Early Changes in Damaged Nerve Tissue

We have been able to use a new MRI method called Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients to recognize early changes in damaged nerve tissues in the brain. We have demonstrated that this new MRI technique:

• Correlates better with patient-related outcomes than the conventional MRI measures,
• Can be measured,
• Is more reliable, and
• Allows detection of nerve damage before it is irreversible.

Collaborators include Drs. Seth Smith, Daniel Reich, Peter Calabresi, and Peter van Zijl.