1.5T vs. 3T Brain MRI

Here is My Question:
My first brain MRI was on a 1.5 T scanner and showed two non-specific hyperintensities in the frontal lobe. There appear to be a few smaller foci scattered throughout the brain too it they were not reported on by the radiologist. 

One of my symptoms is transient shaking of both eyes and I believe this may be due to a lesion in the brainstem if I do have MS.

Do you find that 3-T scanners are much better at picking up lesions in the brain than 1.5T? I’ve heard they’re much better at picking up spinal lesions but how about the brain? I need to make a decision as to whether I should have an MRI that’s covered by insurance or pay out of pocket for a better scan. I can afford the out of pocket cost but it’s still a decent amount of money and I’m trying to decide if it’s really worth it. 

Answer:
A 3 Tesla scanner can provide higher resolution images with improved  signal to noise ratio, but the real question is whether improved imaging will alter your diagnosis and the management of your condition. The answer to this question is probably no without a better understanding of the pathophysiology of your visual problems.

If you are experiencing oscillopsia (jumpy or shaky vision) from impaired visual fixation you would benefit from seeing a neuro-otologist or neuro-opthalmologist who is an expert on eye movement disorders; they will be able to determine if additional studies (imaging or otherwise) are required.
Good luck

Revere (Rip) Kinkel MD
Professor of Clinical Neurosciences
Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program
Clinical Neurosciences Director
University of California San Diego