Would ms lesions still be seen easily on mri even if they are not the thing being looked for and without using contrast?

Imaging sensitive: In general with a reasonably current MRI scanner, and a trained neuroradiologist, changes consistent with Multiple Sclerosis can be seen. However, these are not necessarily diagnostic and must be matched with a clinical syndrome.

MRI is truly the "gold standard" in assessing the varying types of "lesions" which present in MS. Some of the acute lesions benefit from contrast, but the more chronic T2 areas are observed and reported by the radiologist.