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?

[supermum_ms]

You have posted your question in the Multiple Sclerosis community, I suggest you post this question about your grandmother's MRI in the neurology forum, where you may find a broader understanding but please keep in mind as immisceo pointed out, it would be best to discuss this with your grandmother's doctors.

Cheers..........JJ

[pradeepk828]

okay, can i get some support..

[immisceo]

This is a patient support forum. We are not doctors here. This would be best discussed with her medical team.

[pradeepk828]

MRI Impression - 2014 Aug
- mild degree of cerebral atrophy
-T1 hypointense, T2 Flair hyperintense foci in white matter of fronto
parietal lobes, periventricular region of both cerebral hemisphere -
Small Ischemic Changes.
T1, FLAIR, T2 hyperintense lesion in posterior part of left putamen-
lacunar infarct
- MRA - moderate degree of focal narrowing of M2 segment of left
middle cerebral artery
-Lacunar infarct in pons
-Attenuation of caliber of v4 segment of both vertebral arteries,
distal part of basilar artery and both posterior artery- Due to
atherosclerosis?

[immisceo]

Roughly, it means that during the T2/FLAIR sequence of the MRI in question, both sides of the... (and here I'm going to guess that if you're here asking about a brain MRI there's a typo involved) parietal part of the brain. Periatrial would be a part of the heart.

This can be caused by a number of things. MS is just one and also less likely than things like migraines, smoking, diabetes, etc., though these will often be further described as ischemic changes. Only your doctors can really elucidate the data for you. We're just patients here.

Usually on the report there will be a section labelled 'Impressions' where the radiologist will hazard a guess as to reasons for the finding. This is not equivalent to a diagnosis, rather a bit of short-hand for the treating neurologist if the images are available to them.

[Widalis]

Please advise had and MRI done and it shows "There is patchy increased T2/FLAIR signal
    abnormality within the periatrial regions bilaterally" what does this mean