Portable MRI: Easier, More Comfortable Brain Scans for MS

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Key Takeaway

Portable MRI is feasible and well-tolerated by patients and could make brain imaging easier to get for people with MS and other neurological conditions.

What They Found

Researchers tested a low-strength, portable MRI machine on 130 adults with conditions including MS and found most people found the scan comfortable. Ninety-three percent gave the portable MRI a comfort score of 7 or higher out of 10, and most said they'd be willing to have it again. People rated the portable MRI as more comfortable than traditional MRI machines, though the difference was moderate. Barriers to getting standard MRI scans included trouble with transportation, cost, and scheduling — problems that portable MRI could help reduce. Patients also said clinics should improve physical space and access, but overall they felt portable MRI was acceptable and useful.

Who Should Care and Why

MS patients and their caregivers should care because regular brain scans help track disease activity and treatment effects, and portable MRI could make those scans easier to get. Think of it like a neighborhood clinic bringing a simpler, quieter scanner closer to home instead of always traveling to a big hospital. People who have trouble traveling, are low-income, or have mobility issues would benefit most because portable MRI can reduce trips and scheduling hassles. Neurologists and MS care teams should pay attention because easier access to scans may help with faster decisions about treatments or symptoms. Caregivers may find it reduces stress and time spent arranging appointments or transportation.

Important Considerations

The portable MRI used is lower strength than standard hospital MRI, so it may not show all the small details a regular MRI can capture. The study compared patient comfort and feasibility but did not prove portable MRI can replace standard MRI for every medical decision. Also, most participants were seen at one hospital clinic, so results may differ in other locations or with different patient groups.

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MS Diagnostics Living with MS Early Research

Article Topics:

Alzheimer diseaseParkinson diseasemagnetic resonance imagingmultiple sclerosisstroke

Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or are seeking to broaden your understanding of this complex, neurodegenerative disease, navigating the latest research can feel overwhelming. Studies published in respected medical journals like Annals of clinical and translational neurology often range from early-stage, exploratory work to advanced clinical trials. These evidence-based findings help shape new disease-modifying therapies, guide symptom management techniques, and deepen our knowledge of MS progression.

However, not all research is created equal. Some clinical research studies may have smaller sample sizes, evolving methodologies, or limitations that warrant careful interpretation. For a more comprehensive, accurate understanding, we recommend reviewing the original source material—accessible via the More Details section above—and consulting with healthcare professionals who specialize in MS care.

By presenting a wide range of MS-focused studies—spanning cutting-edge treatments, emerging therapies, and established best practices—we aim to empower patients, caregivers, and clinicians to stay informed and make well-informed decisions when managing Multiple Sclerosis.

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