Concierge imaging · London
Private brain MRI in London, read by a neuroradiologist.
Also called an MRI head scan. We match you to a vetted London clinic, handle the booking, and stay with you through the consultant report - from headaches and suspected MS to memory change and hearing loss.
Why patients choose us
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One clinician, end to end
The same person handles your case from first message to the neuroradiologist report.
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Paid by no clinic
We take nothing from the centres we suggest, so the guidance stays impartial and free.
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A re-vetted panel
A small Harley Street list, re-checked every six months on scanner quality and reporting.
Indicative pricing
What a brain MRI actually costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
A standard brain MRI in our network: £300-£600, reported by a neuroradiologist in 24-72 hours.
| Scan type | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brain MRI (standard, without contrast) | £300–£600 | 15–30 min | 24–72 hrs |
| Brain MRI with contrast (gadolinium) | £450–£800 | 30–45 min | 24–72 hrs |
| MRA / MRV (brain blood vessels) | £450–£850 | 30–45 min | 24–72 hrs |
| Brain + full spine (MS / demyelination) | £700–£1,200 | 60–90 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Pituitary or internal auditory meati (IAM) | £400–£750 | 30–45 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Functional MRI / DTI (specialist) | Quoted case by case | Varies | 48–72 hrs |
Prices vary by clinic, time of day, scanner field strength (1.5T vs 3T), and whether contrast is used. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
A head scan is only as good as the protocol and the reader.
Two brain MRIs are not the same. The right sequences, the right field strength, and a consultant neuroradiologist reading them make the difference between a clear answer and an anxious re-scan. We handle all three.
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Not sure if you need one?
We will say honestly - sometimes a specialist review, or a different scan, is the better first step.
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Not sure which brain protocol?
Standard, contrast, MRA, MS or pituitary - the protocol matters as much as booking 'a brain MRI'.
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Not sure who reads it?
We route to clinics where a consultant neuroradiologist - not a generalist - reports the study.
The journey
From enquiry to report - what happens, in order.
One clinician from first message to signed report - usually inside a week.
Phase 1 · Before your scan
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
~30 minutes at the clinic
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. Symptoms, timeline, referral or insurer if you have them.
- 02
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: which brain protocol, which clinic, indicative price. If a scan is not the right step, we say so.
- 03
Before
We arrange the appointment
Often same or next day, including evenings and Saturdays. Insurer pre-authorisation handled.
- 04
On the day
Arrival and safety check
Change into a gown, remove anything metallic. We have pre-completed the safety questionnaire.
- 05
On the day
In the scanner
15-30 minutes for most head scans. Loud, but with headphones, music and a two-way intercom throughout.
- 06
On the day
Straight home
No recovery time. Drive, eat and work as normal.
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After
Report and next steps
Consultant neuroradiologist report in 24-72 hours. We route it to your GP or specialist.
Typical end-to-end: 3-7 days. Urgent cases: same day.
What it shows
Find the reason that matches your symptom.
From headaches to memory, a brain scan is asked very different questions. These are the ones we hear most.
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Persistent headaches & migraine
When headaches are new, changing, or come with other symptoms, an MRI rules out a structural cause.
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Suspected MS & demyelination
MRI is the primary test for multiple sclerosis - it detects the lesions that confirm or exclude it.
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Stroke & TIA follow-up
Shows areas of damage, small-vessel disease and the pattern of a previous stroke or mini-stroke.
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Tumours & abnormal growths
Detects and characterises masses, with contrast used to define the edge and behaviour.
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Memory, cognition & dizziness
Assesses volume loss, small-vessel change and other causes behind memory or balance problems.
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Hearing loss & facial symptoms
A dedicated IAM protocol looks at the hearing and balance nerves for an acoustic neuroma.
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Pituitary & hormonal problems
A focused pituitary study images the small gland behind the eyes when hormone tests are abnormal.
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Seizures & first fits
Looks for a structural focus after a first seizure, including dedicated epilepsy protocols.
Brain MRI types
Not all brain scans are the same.
What each option on your referral is actually for.
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Standard brain MRI
The everyday head scan. T1, T2 and FLAIR sequences covering the whole brain, no injection needed.
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Brain MRI with contrast
A gadolinium injection that highlights tumours, inflammation and infection. Added when the question needs it.
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MRA & MRV (angiography)
Images the arteries and veins of the brain - used for aneurysms, stenosis and clots, usually without contrast.
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MS / demyelination protocol
Brain and often the whole spine, reported against McDonald criteria. The standard work-up for suspected MS.
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Pituitary protocol
Thin, focused slices through the pituitary fossa for microadenomas and hormonal disorders.
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IAM protocol
Dedicated views of the internal auditory canals for one-sided hearing loss, tinnitus or an acoustic neuroma.
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Epilepsy protocol
High-resolution hippocampal imaging to find a subtle structural cause of seizures.
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Functional MRI & DTI
Specialist mapping of activity and white-matter tracts, mainly for surgical planning.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of clinics, we picked them.
Partners across central, north, west and south London. Not listed publicly - introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every clinic in our network.
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CQC-registered, and currently rated good or outstanding
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Every brain scan reported by a consultant neuroradiologist, never a generalist
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3T scanners preferred for the fine detail that head imaging needs
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Signed-off reports back in under 72 hours as standard
Safety and eligibility
One of the safest tests in medicine.
A handful of situations need a specific check - and for a head scan, implants near the brain matter most. We sort them before you arrive.
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Pacemakers, defibrillators, neurostimulators
Many modern devices are MR-conditional. We check the model before booking.
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Cochlear implants
Case-by-case. We confirm with the device manufacturer.
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Aneurysm clips and vascular coils
Model and date of insertion matter - especially for brain imaging. We need this from your hospital.
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Metal fragments (eye, shrapnel)
May need a prior orbit X-ray. We arrange this where required.
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Claustrophobia
A head scan puts you further into the bore. We can route you to wide-bore or open MRI, or arrange mild sedation.
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Dental work, tattoos, cosmetic fillers
Almost always fine. Iron-based tattoo ink may warm slightly - tell the radiographer.
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Pregnancy
No ionising radiation. Generally safe, particularly after the first trimester. Contrast avoided unless essential.
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Kidney function
A recent eGFR is needed if gadolinium contrast is planned.
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Children
Paediatric-friendly clinics. Sedation arranged by a consultant paediatric anaesthetist where required.
Reading your report
A brain report can look intimidating. It isn't.
Nearly every report is built the same way - four parts, always in the same order.
A quiet reminder
Reports are written for clinicians, not patients - and that is normal.
If you would like us to talk you through it before your follow-up, just ask.
- 01 Header
Your details and the question
Who you are, the scan that was done, and the exact question your referrer wanted answered.
- 02 Technique
How the scan was done
Which sequences were used (T1, T2, FLAIR, diffusion). Each highlights brain tissue differently.
- 03 Findings
What the neuroradiologist saw
A region-by-region description of the brain, including normal anatomy and any incidental findings.
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
The bottom line, in a sentence or two - read it first. Your specialist adds the context.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover depends on your clinic and policy - we confirm with your insurer before anything is booked.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about brain MRI.
Quick answers on cost, referrals, contrast, claustrophobia and results.
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What is a brain MRI, and is it the same as a head scan?
Yes. "MRI head scan" and "brain MRI" describe the same test - detailed imaging of the brain using magnetic fields and radio waves, with no X-ray radiation.
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How much does a private brain MRI cost in London?
A standard brain MRI in our network is typically £300-£600. Adding gadolinium contrast, an MRA or a full-spine MS study raises the range. We confirm a firm figure within one working day.
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Do I need a referral for a brain MRI?
Most clinics accept self-referral for a standard head scan. Some protocols and any contrast study are safer with a letter - we can arrange a fast-track private GP if you need one.
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Will I need contrast (an injection)?
Not for most routine head scans. Contrast is added when we are looking closely at a possible tumour, infection or inflammation. We explain in advance if it is likely.
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How long does a brain MRI take?
Most head scans take 15-30 minutes. Adding contrast, angiography or an MS protocol extends it. You lie still on your back with your head gently supported.
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Can I have a brain MRI if I am claustrophobic?
Yes. A head scan places you further inside the scanner, so tell us - we can route you to a wide-bore or open MRI, offer music and an eye mask, or arrange a mild sedative.
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What can a brain MRI detect?
Tumours, the lesions of multiple sclerosis, stroke and small-vessel disease, aneurysms, pituitary and acoustic problems, causes of seizures, and structural reasons for headaches or memory change.
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How quickly will I get the results?
A consultant neuroradiologist report is usually ready in 24-72 hours. With your consent we send it and the images to your GP or specialist the day it is signed off.
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Will my insurance cover a brain MRI?
Brain MRI is usually covered when it is medically indicated and pre-authorised. We are recognised by Bupa, AXA, Vitality, Aviva, WPA, Cigna and Healix, and we sort the pre-authorisation for you.
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Is a brain MRI safe?
It is among the safest tests in medicine, with no ionising radiation. The one thing we check is certain metal implants, which we confirm before your appointment.