What is FLAIR signal hyperintensity

[Ked5001]

After experiencing some minor numbness on my left side, I had 2 MRI on my head and brain.  The report I received says, in part:

"Several sulci of T2 and FLAIR hyperintensity within the white matter of both cerebral hemispheres"  "Primary diferential considerations include sequela of chronic small-vessel ischemic disease.  No evidence of acute infarction."

My Intenet searches have turned up a plethora of discussions of FLAIR hyperintensity in connection with conditions that range from Lyme disease to MS, but I haven't found a specific explanation of T2, FLAIR, or hyperintensity as they apply in this context.

Can you give me a fairly complete explanation of the terms and the significance of the phrase "sulci of T2 and FLAIR hyperintensity within the white matter" as well as any other insight into what this finding implies?

[krunal04]

recently i tested the mri of my mother which is surfing from upper head pain. the mri result are include the multiple focal hyperintensities in bilateral frontal and partial white matter on flair image suggesting old ischemic lessions.will u please suggesting to me what problem with her .. n what will be treatment for that .

[karryon55]

Hi there & welcome,

I'm sure someone on the forum would like to answer your question but it may get missed as this thread is old. I can imagine you are worried about your daughter & I hope you get some answers soon.

Take Care,
Karry.

[guddu61]

Hi,
My daughter who is 21 years old recently had an MRI of the head done- this is what the report says, can anyone explain this to me:
Findings
There are multiple mainly subcortical white matter hyperintensities involving supratentorial brain parenchyma. There is no mass effect or surrounding edema. The corpus callosum, gray matter based ganglia and posterior fossa structures appear normal. No mass effect or midline shift. No evidence of acute ischemia.
Impression
Multiple white matter hyperintensities, for this age group, most likely related to demyelination process. For followup.

[Elle_ee]

Just had a 'brain MRI' for migraine headaches... result language similar to others in this thread... "T2 and FLAIR hyper intense foci... both cerebral hemispheres... Approx 20 lesions... sizes 2-4mms.." scary stuff to the layman, and hard to research because either it's generalized, or it's piece-mealed. Therefore, additional tests were ordered for me, I have both Lupus and Fybromyalgia. My ANA was positive during the MRI. I'm a little nervous, to be honest. This is not how I wanted/expected to spend my 4th quarter in life. I am only 56, hopefully gonna make it another 20-25 yrs, but I want quality more than number of years. So, is 20+ lesions something that will continue to rise? Is there a red-alert number of these that a brain can take? In plain speaking, give me your best - thanks. PS; I REALLY function better with warmth, heated blankets, a hat, etc., is this a 'bad' thing?

[mjes62]

Had MRI-could someone tell me what my results mean.

Multiple Foci of hight t2 and flair signal, mostly in the subocrtical white matter but also in the deep white matter.  Foci of microvascular ischemic changes or less likely demyelinatin process.

I have the MRI due to headaches with some headachs in/back of the left eye.  

Labs revealed positive ANA dual pattern speckled and Homogenous 1:80 sed rate normal.  

I suffer from pain in the legs and severe pain in my left hip joint.  Walking is painful. Painful joints in both hands mostlly the thumbs with decrease strength.

Have high bloo pressure, controlled with medication and Hypothyroid which is controlled with mediciation.

[Larue219]

Coukd someone please explain this MRI repirt to me???
1. Small foci of T2 and FLAIR hyperintensity in the anteromedial right thalamus and also in the rightward cerebellum. These are entirely  nonspecific. They could be postinflammatory, postinfectious or postischemic. Neoplastic process would be considered unlikely. If warranted, further assessment with gadolinium enhancement could be performed. Clinical and/or CSF correlation may be of benefit. They are quite minimal however.