Imaging · London
Private brain MRI in London, read by a neuroradiologist.
Also called an MRI head scan.
Indicative pricing
What a brain MRI actually costs in London.
Indicative ranges across UK private providers.
In short
£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.
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.
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Not sure if you need one?
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?
It is worth checking that a consultant neuroradiologist - not a generalist - reports the study.
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 most common.
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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.
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.
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Pacemakers, defibrillators, neurostimulators
Many modern devices are MR-conditional.
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Aneurysm clips and vascular coils
Model and date of insertion matter - especially for brain imaging. Your hospital can supply this information.
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Metal fragments (eye, shrapnel)
May need a prior orbit X-ray.
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Claustrophobia
A head scan puts you further into the bore. Wide-bore or open MRI, or mild sedation, can sometimes be arranged by the imaging department.
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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 is given 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.
Ask the clinician who requested the test to talk you through it before your follow-up.
- 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
Frequently asked
Common questions 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?
Adding gadolinium contrast, an MRA or a full-spine MS study raises the range.
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Do I need a referral for a brain MRI?
Most clinics accept self-referral for a standard head scan.
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Will I need contrast (an injection)?
Not for most routine head scans. Contrast is sometimes added to look closely at a possible tumour, infection or inflammation. You should be told 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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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, the report and images can be shared with your GP or specialist.
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Will my insurance cover a brain MRI?
Brain MRI is usually covered when it is medically indicated and pre-authorised.
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Is a brain MRI safe?
It is among the safest tests in medicine, with no ionising radiation.