Calm, dignified
experience
MRI Brain scan
A brain MRI scan is a non-invasive test for a range of neurological symptoms, including chronic headaches, numbness in the limbs, double vision, confusion, memory loss and dizziness.
Brain MRI scan
Medserena Brain MRI Scan
From £585.00
MRI scan of the Brain; non-invasive procedure to help diagnose medical conditions relating to the head and brain, price includes:
- Open and Upright MRI scan
- 40 minutes appointment
- Radiologist findings report
-
Images on USB at the end of the scanand available to NHS trusts via IEP on request
- Complimentary refreshments
Please wear metal free clothing and if possible, avoid wearing any jewellery. Alternatively, Medserena can provide you with a gown to change into for your scan. Choose and book your scan now, or scroll down for more Brain MRI scan information, variations and options.
Many Scans Available within 72 hours
Brain MRI scan variation and pricing
| Brain scan |
From £585.00 |
| Brain and IAM (Internal Auditory Meati) |
From £790.00 |
| Brain and Cervical spine |
From £860.00 |
| From £1,765.00 | |
| Brain and Whole spine + variPOSE |
From £2,070.00 |
| Brain and CCJ and Whole spine + variPOSE |
From £2,480.00 |
Superior healthcare service with every Private MRI scan
Little or no
waiting time
Largest MRI scan centres
Premium
refreshments
Watch TV while
scanning
Medical report included
About Brain MRI Scans
An open and upright brain MRI scan can rule out or confirm possible causes for symptoms ranging from head injuries, stroke, brain tumours, meningitis, dementia, fluid build-up, multiple sclerosis, plus ear, and nasal problems.
The brain MRI scan is performed in an open and upright scanner with the patient in a seated position, with a head coil over the head. This piece of equipment is open in 2 places at the front allowing you to still see out/watch the television and see the radiographer, who is in continuous contact with you, minimising the feeling of being enclosed.
Specialist scans can be done to assess the blood vessels in your brain to look for any narrowing or blockages that can lead to haemorrhage or stroke.
What conditions can a brain MRI scan detect?
These include the full range of neurological symptoms, ear nose and throat problems and problems with blood vessels:
- Headaches: Brain MRI scans can be used to identify structural underlying causes for a headache such as a brain tumour, fluid build-up, an aneurysm (bulging or ballooning of an artery due to weakness in the artery wall), or inflammation.
- Stroke: MRI brain scans can reveal a stroke, caused either by bleeding, or an artery blocked by a clot in the brain, both are medical emergencies as they can starve the brain of oxygen, leading to brain damage, loss of speech, and paralysis.
- Multiple Sclerosis: MS is a neurological disease which can affect balance, movement, balance, eyesight, and sensation in the limbs. A diagnosis of MS can’t be made solely with a brain MRI scan, but it can show damage to the myelin sheath, the protective layer which surrounds nerves.
- Head injury: Head trauma can cause bleeding, swelling of the brain and other injuries, and these can be confirmed on a brain MRI scan.
- Alzheimer’s disease: Evidence of Alzheimer’s disease may be visible as shrinkage of the brain in specific areas such as the temporal lobe. An MRI scan would just form part of the diagnosis though, memory and other symptoms will also be assessed by a doctor.
- Cysts: There are seven types of cysts and just like tumours they can be malignant (cancerous) or benign. It is a fluid filled sac and can press on structures in the brain causing problems such as nausea or headaches. Brain cysts are caused by fluid build-up in an area of the brain. Brain cysts can form during the first few weeks when a baby is growing in the womb. Some cysts might form because of a head injury or other trauma to the brain.
Other benefits of a Medserena brain MRI Scan
Upright MRI scanners are a stress-free alternative to using a conventional enclosed tunnel MRI scanner, providing comfort and reassurance for people who suffer from anxiety or claustrophobia. Although the upright scanner uses a head coil which fits over the patient’s head, patients report feeling less enclosed than in a tunnel scanner.
Upright MRI scans can also accommodate some larger/heavier patients who might have difficulty fitting comfortably into a conventional tunnel scanner, as they can take weights of up to 35 stone (226kg). However, suitability depends on the patient’s build and the areas of the anatomy that need to be scanned.
Available to self-pay clients, clients with private health insurance and NHS patients where prior funding has been agreed by a clinical commissioning group.
FAQs
The Upright MRI is truly open. There are no tunnels, no narrow tubes. The system is particularly quiet, the examination is comfortable and does not trigger feelings of being in a confined space. This means that the Upright MRI is particularly tolerated by patients who suffer from “claustrophobia”.
Because the system offers you an unrestricted view, you can watch TV or see DVD movies on a large screen during the scan. Wearing headphones – as with other MRI systems – is usually not necessary.
According to the current state of knowledge, there is no danger to the patient’s health as magnetic resonance imaging only uses magnetic fields and radio waves.
Metallic foreign bodies within the patient, such as fixed dental prosthesis, artificial joints or metal plates after treatment for a fracture do not usually pose any danger. However, it is important to clarify that the implants you use are MRI-compatible before the examination.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) utilises a large magnet, radio waves and a computer to form images of your body. It is non-invasive, painless and does not use any ionising radiation.
Our truly open MRI can scan you in different positions. Through the utilisation of a specially designed MRI system we can offer weight-bearing scans – sitting or standing. The design of the system allows the patient to be positioned in different postures (e.g. flexion or extension) so that the patient may be examined in the position where they experience pain. The reason to do this is that some pathologies are underestimated or even not seen in a conventional supine MRI scan. The technique has value in many applications: e.g. spine, knees, hips, ankles. This has been proven in scientific studies and documented in peer reviewed publications.
In addition, it offers the possibility of performing an MRI scan on patients who could not otherwise tolerate the examination. This may include the claustrophobic patient, who benefits from the truly open nature of the equipment, and the severely kyphotic patient or emphysema sufferer who simply cannot lie down. It can also facilitate scanning of large patients who struggle to fit conventional ‘bore’ MRI scanners.
Of course, we have a comfortable waiting area but if you want them to stay in the scan room with you, they will also need to fill out a safety questionnaire. There is enough space for a companion. The person can even hold your hand and communicate with you during the examination. This is particularly beneficial when examining teenager.
This depends above all on which part of the body needs to be examined. In the Upright MRI, special examinations can be carried out in various body positions. The entire scan generally takes between 30 and 45 minutes. However, since you have the opportunity to watch TV or DVD, this time will go by much quicker.
Eat and drink normally and, unless your doctor tells you otherwise, please continue taking medications as normal. If you have any special needs (e.g. wheelchair access) please inform us when making the appointment.
Your appointment confirmation; referral letter/form; Medical Insurance details if applicable. We accept all major debit/credit cards.
We will provide a gown/clothing for you to wear when you are scanned. If you prefer to wear your own, please ensure that you wear or bring clothing without any metal fasteners, zips or under-wiring as these cannot be worn in the scan room. The changing room can be locked for safe storage of your possessions.
You will be able to walk into the scanner. It has no tunnel or bore. You will be able to hear us and talk with us during your scan if necessary-and we will be able to see you at all times. Due to its open nature, you will even be able to watch TV or a DVD whilst having the scan. Depending on which part of you is being scanned, you may be asked to sit or stand, and assume different postures (for example bending forward.) The radiographer may place a receiver “coil” around the relevant area of your body. You will need to remain very still while the acquisition is done in order to prevent blurring of the images. You will hear some tapping from the scanner but in general it is much quieter than many other MRI scanners.
You will not feel anything while having the scan. There is no pain or unusual feeling of any type and you will experience no after effects.
YES. There are some things that can prevent you from having an MRI scan. You will be asked to complete a safety questionnaire on arrival at the Centre which will cover the contra-indications-but if you are making an appointment and any of the factors below affect you, please discuss this with us in advance as it may save you a wasted trip.
Contra-indications can include:
- Pacemaker
- IUDs
- Surgical clips
- Pregnancy
- Metal fragments in the body
- Metal pins/plates/screws
- Joint replacements
- Metal objects in eyes
- Cochlear implants
- IVC filters
- Metal heart valves
- Penile implants
It is also important to tell us if you have any tattoos or piercings.
Watches, jewellery, coins, keys, cigarette lighters, penknives, credit cards. piercings, hairgrips, wigs, nicotine patches, and hearing aids must be removed.
Your scan will be reported by a Consultant Radiologist. It will normally be available in a couple of days unless needed urgently. The images and report will be sent to your referring practitioner. If you have a follow up appointment, please make us aware of the details so we can ensure the report and images are available in time.