Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are TimeSLIP and TimeSTAMP?

a. Different names for subtly different versions of tag-based CSF imaging.

2. When Should I use TimeSLIP?

a. This is a superior sequence if you know the CSF flow patterns are periodic or constant.
b. Periodic signals might arise from heart beats, breathing, etc.
c. The main advantage of this sequence is it enables multi-shot or signal averaging.
d. The main disadvantage of this sequence happens when the assumptions about flow patterns are incorrect. In this situation it will average together data inappropriately.

3. When Should I use TimeSTAMP?

a. This is a superior sequence if you do not know the CSF flow patterns, or if you believe they might not be periodic.
b. Non-periodic signals might arise from talking, swallowing, straining, moving, etc.
c. The main advantage of this sequence is it enables single-shot images.
d. The main disadvantage of this sequence happens when the assumptions about flow patterns are incorrect. In this situation it will forgo data averaging that might otherwise improve the quality of the image.

4. Can I quantify Tag-Based Imaging Flow?

a. To some extent, yes. You can measure how far the tagged CSF has traveled, to estimate velocity.
b. Volumetric flow measurements are better done with phase contrast imaging.