T2-like sequence with cerebrospinal fluid suppression using inversion recovery
Expansion
Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery
Purpose
Detects brain lesions while suppressing cerebrospinal fluid; excellent for stroke, MS, and intracranial pathology
Clinical Context
FLAIR: 180 degree inversion pulse suppresses cerebrospinal fluid signal. Cerebrospinal fluid appears dark while lesions (stroke, MS plaques) appear bright. TR approximately 10000 milliseconds, TI approximately 2500 milliseconds.
Related Terms
- T2
- DWI
- T1
Key Points
- FLAIR is essential for acute stroke workup; shows ischaemic brain as bright lesions