My latest MRI states a plaque in my brain is changing to a black hole. I’ve heard of these and know I don’t want to read that in my MRI report but now that it is there, I should probably figure out what it means. According to www.MS-UK.org a black hole “reflects irreversible demyelination and axonal loss.” It goes on to present the possibility of black holes being linked to clinical disability progression on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).

The www.MSRA.org.au describes black holes as previous plaques “where myelin has been completely lost and nerve cells have been damaged beyond repair.” Through their study of the brains of MS patients after they die, they have discovered the “normal” white matter is not normal at all in comparison to non-multiple sclerosis patients. MS may not only be about plaques and black holes but the entire brain matter itself. If you would like to donate your brain to the Brain Bank visit www.msbrainbank.org.au.

Image from www.cram.com.