Objective To analyze the application value of MRI multi-sequence scan before and after the operation for glioma. Methods The clinical data of 48 patients with glioma confirmed by operation and pathology in our hospital from March 2013 to March 2016 were collected. All patients underwent MRI multiple-sequence scan before and after operation, and the value of MRI in preoperative diagnosis and postoperative evaluation of glioma. Results MRI detected in single glioma in 39 cases (81.25%) and multiple gliomas in 9 cases (18.75%). The tumors were located in frontal lobe in 13 cases (27.08%), temporal lobe in 8 cases (16.67%), parietal lobe in 10 cases (20.83%), occipital lobe in 8 cases (16.67%), temporal parietal junction area in 4 cases (8.33%) and frontal parietal junction zone in 5 cases (10.42%). T1WI sequence showed low signal or equal signal in 36 cases (75%), T2WI sequence showed slightly high or high signal in 48 cases (100.00%), T1 FLAIR showed equal signal or low signal in 30 cases (62.50%) and mixed signal in 18 cases (37.50%), while T2 FLAIR showed high signal in 34 cases (70.83%). MRI showed cystic degeneration and necrosis in 19 cases (39.58%), hemorrhage in 3 cases (6.25%), calcification in 1 case (2.08%). Enhanced scan showed obvious ring enhancement in 35 cases (72.92%), nodular enhancement in 3 cases (6.25%), mild enhancement in 7 cases (14.58%) and no obvious enhancement in 3 cases (6.25%). There were 44 cases (91.67%) with occupying effects and edema zone, and 4 cases (8.33%) without occupying effect or edema zone. MRI showed patchy softening lesions in patients who recovered well after operation, with tumor residual or obvious enhancement of primary lesions in disseminated patients, and the boundary was not clear. Conclusion MRI multi-sequence scan can clearly show the location, size, shape, characteristics and enhanced features of gliomas and identify the nature of tumors, and providing references for making operation plan. Postoperative MRI examination can clearly show residual tumor and recurrence after operation, providing the basis for improving the prognosis of patients.