Patent ID: 9649047
Date: 2017-05-16
CPC Classifications: A61B

Claim:
1. A method of providing an indication of to multiple sclerosis in a patient using magnetic resonance imaging comprising the steps of: (a) using an upright magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, obtaining one or more measurements representing cerebrospinal fluid flow in the cervical spine of the patient in an upright position; (b) comparing the one or more measurements to one or more corresponding predetermined threshold values to determine if the cerebrospinal fluid flow measurement meets the at least one predetermined threshold value; (c) using magnetic resonance imaging, detecting a presence of a cranio-cervical structural abnormality in the neck of the patient; (d) using magnetic resonance imaging, detecting a presence of one or more peri-ventricular brain lesions in the patient; and (e) providing an indication of to multiple sclerosis based on the one or more measurements, the presence or absence of a cranio-cervical structural abnormality, and the presence of peri-ventricular brain lesions, wherein the combination of (i) one or more of the measurements not meeting the predetermined threshold value, (ii) the presence of a cranio-cervical structural abnormality, and (iii) the presence of peri-ventricular brain lesions, is indicative of to multiple sclerosis.