Routine Brain MRI
Standard brain MRI protocol — T1, T2, FLAIR, DWI, and usually susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI/SWAN), with optional post-contrast T1. Indications span stroke (DWI early detection), MS plaque burden (FLAIR), tumor follow-up, infection, headache workup, trauma sequelae.
Clinical pathway
- Patient screening — implanted device compatibility, prior ferromagnetic foreign body (orbital shrapnel), claustrophobia.
- Head coil — 32- or 48-channel head/neck coil standard on 3T.
- Localizer + standard sequences — sag T1, ax T2, ax FLAIR, ax DWI, SWI.
- Post-contrast T1 (if indicated) — gadolinium 0.1 mmol/kg.
- Advanced sequences as ordered — MRA, MRV, MR spectroscopy, perfusion, DTI.
Typical systems
- Siemens MAGNETOM Vida 3T
- GE Signa Premier 3T
- Philips Ingenia Elition 3T
- Siemens MAGNETOM Sempra 1.5T (community)
Room + procedure characteristics
- Scan time: 20–40 min standard; compressed-sensing / deep-learning reconstruction cuts to 10–15 min
- Dose: none (non-ionizing); gadolinium risk in severe renal impairment
- Team: MR tech + neuroradiologist