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MRI scans

MRI brain and pituitary

A brain scan with dedicated fine-slice views of the pituitary gland, usually with contrast, to look for pituitary adenomas and related abnormalities.

What to expect

  • Preparation: Usually none - eat, drink and take medication as normal unless told otherwise. You will complete a safety questionnaire covering implants and previous surgery, and remove all metal items before the scan.
  • During the test: You lie on a motorised couch that moves into the scanner. The machine is noisy, you wear ear protection, and you need to keep as still as possible. Most MRI examinations take 20-45 minutes.
  • Results: A consultant radiologist reports the scan, typically within 24-72 hours of your appointment.
  • Who follows up: The report goes to your referring GP or specialist, who explains the findings and arranges any follow-up.
  • Cost: an indicative cost varies by provider.

About this test

A brain scan with dedicated fine-slice views of the pituitary gland, usually with contrast, to look for pituitary adenomas and related abnormalities. It is usually recommended when hormone blood tests are abnormal, for unexplained visual field changes, or for raised prolactin.

How to access it privately

You can arrange a private MRI either with a referral from your GP or specialist or, for many scans, by self-referring as a self-pay patient with a short pre-scan questionnaire. Routine NHS diagnostic waits are often long - frequently measured in months - whereas private slots are typically available within days to around two weeks. Costs vary by provider and should be confirmed with the provider before booking.

Frequently asked

Common questions about MRI brain and pituitary.

Quick, plain-English answers to what people ask us most.

  • What is an MRI of the brain and pituitary?

    This is a detailed MRI scan focused on the brain and the pituitary gland, a small hormone-producing gland at the base of the brain. It's particularly good at showing small pituitary abnormalities that a standard brain scan might not capture in enough detail.

  • Why would a doctor order this scan?

    It's often requested when blood tests suggest a hormonal imbalance, or with symptoms such as unexplained headaches, vision changes, irregular periods, or unusual growth or fatigue patterns that could relate to the pituitary gland. It's also used to monitor known pituitary tumours over time.

  • Do I need to prepare for the scan?

    There's usually no special preparation, though contrast dye is often used for pituitary imaging, so mention any allergies or kidney issues when booking. As always, let the team know about pacemakers or other implants.

  • What happens during the scan?

    You lie still with your head positioned in a coil while detailed images are taken, often including a contrast injection partway through. The scan typically takes 30 to 45 minutes given the fine detail needed around the pituitary.

  • Does it hurt, and are there any risks?

    The scan is painless and doesn't use radiation. Contrast dye is generally well tolerated, with only a small risk of allergic reaction or discomfort at the injection site.

  • How long do results take?

    A radiologist, often with neuroradiology expertise, reviews the scan and reports on it, with private results typically available within a few days. Your endocrinologist or specialist will then discuss what it means alongside your hormone tests.

  • What do abnormal results mean?

    Findings could include a small benign pituitary adenoma, which are common and often don't need treatment, through to larger lesions that may require monitoring or treatment. Your doctor will interpret the scan together with your symptoms and blood results rather than in isolation.

  • How much does a private brain and pituitary MRI cost, and is it available on the NHS?

    This scan is available on the NHS, but access can take time, particularly for non-urgent hormonal investigations. Private scans are usually available within days, with specialist reporting; cost varies by provider.

  • Is this scan accurate and reliable?

    Dedicated pituitary MRI protocols are highly sensitive for detecting even small abnormalities in this gland, making it the standard test for suspected pituitary problems. Very small changes can sometimes be difficult to characterise definitively, which is why follow-up scans or blood tests are sometimes recommended.

  • How do I book a private brain and pituitary MRI, and how quickly can I be seen?

    Private centres can typically offer this scan within a few days, and many accept self-referral alongside GP or specialist referral. Contact a provider to check appointment availability.