In patients with Trigeminal neuralgia it is important to rule out any pathology and to assess the integrity of the nerve, as well as its relationship with vessels. Multiple imaging MRI techniques should be used, such as T1, T2 (time taken between magnetic pulses and when the image is taken), enhancing and attenuation settings, as well as angiographic images, with and without contrast. There are different imaging protocols such as FLAIR, DWI and FIESTA, related with the sequences to visualize structures, fluids and spaces. It is important to include cerebellopontine and brainstem, and to include a MRA as part of the protocol. The MRI will provide information to identify conditions such as MS, artery malformation, TIA.
The two basic types of MRI images are T1-weighted and T2-weighted images, often referred to as T1 and T2 images. The timing of radiofrequency pulse sequences used to make T1 images results in images which highlight fat tissue within the body.
The two basic types of MRI images are T1-weighted and T2-weighted images, often referred to as T1 and T2 images. The timing of radiofrequency pulse sequences used to make T1 images results in images which highlight fat tissue within the body. The timing of radiofrequency pulse sequences used to make T2 images results in images which highlight fat AND water within the body. So, this makes things easy to remember.
T1 images – 1 tissue type is bright – FAT - On T1 images FAT is white
T2 images – 2 tissue types are bright – FAT and WATER -On T2 images both FAT and WATER are white
T1 sequence: whole brain axial and sagittal (volumetric when possible). Purpose: anatomical, brain screen