Can I have MS if my MRI is normal?

Here is My Question:
I have several symptoms all pointing to MS and have had an MRI that was clear. I am scheduled to have a cervical X-ray today. My understanding is that an X-ray cannot detect spinal lesions. If this is correct, what could my PCP be looking for? Over the past 8 months I have different symptoms come and go but since Feb I have been having double vision, problems intermittent with swallowing, severe fatigue, tingling burning in both hands, left hand weakness, muscle aches/weakness, short term memory loss and problems with saying the wrong words. Balance issues. I am on b12 shots, vitamin D , tamadol for psoriatic arthritis, Lexapro, levothyroxine for hypothyroidism and Zyrtec. Full eye exam yesterday shows my eyes are healthy, but one test did show both eyes move to focus. Being referred to a neurogist. I feel like I am crazy at times but my symptoms are real. Can you have MS with no visible lesions? Help needed in NC, :) THANK YOU

Answer:
It is very rare to have MS with a normal MRI scan of the brain.  Depending on when your first MRI scan was completed, it may be worthwhile having another MRI scan repeated; I recommend you discuss this with the neurologist who you are going to see.

You are correct that the xray will not be able to detect lesions due to MS but it can pick up other problems in the neck such as arthritis.

Benjamin Osborne, MD
Associate Professor of Neurology and Ophthalmology
Director, Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) Clinic
Director, Neuro-Ophthalmology Clinic
Associate Director of the NIH/Georgetown Neurology Residency Program
Medstar Georgetown University Hospital
3800 Reservoir Road, NW 7PHC
Washington, DC 20007