Which imaging technique is primarily utilized for diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the primary imaging technique used for diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis (MS) due to its ability to provide detailed images of the brain and spinal cord structures. MRI is particularly effective in detecting the presence of lesions or plaques formed by the demyelination characteristic of MS. These lesions often appear as bright spots on MRI scans, indicating areas where the protective myelin sheath around nerve fibers has been damaged.

The specificity and sensitivity of MRI make it the preferred method for initial diagnosis as well as monitoring disease progression and treatment response in patients with MS. Advanced forms of MRI, such as contrast-enhanced MRI, can further aid in identifying active inflammation indicative of new lesions.

Other imaging modalities have limitations for this purpose. For instance, CT scans are less effective at visualizing soft tissue like the brain and do not provide the same clarity on the specific types of lesions seen in MS. X-rays primarily assess bone structures and are not useful for visualizing neurological problems. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans, while useful in certain neurological conditions, do not provide the same level of detail regarding demyelination and are not routinely used in the diagnosis of MS.