MRA Intracranial Scan
A private MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography) scan uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the blood vessels within your head. It's a non-invasive way to visualise your brain's vascular system without using ionising radiation.
Written by the MyScanHub content team4 minutes reading time
From
£295
All-inclusive. Consultant-reported within 3 working days.
- Consultant radiologists
- CQC registered
- GDPR compliant
- Report in 3 working days
What is an MRA Intracranial Scan?
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses powerful magnets and radiofrequency waves — with no ionising radiation — to create high-resolution cross-sectional images.
An MRA Intracranial Scan allows your radiologist to examine:
- The arteries supplying blood to your brain, including the carotid and vertebral arteries.
- The major veins draining blood from your brain.
- Any narrowing, blockages, or abnormalities in these vessels.
- The circle of Willis, a crucial network of arteries at the base of the brain.
- Aneurysms (bulges in blood vessel walls).
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), which are abnormal tangles of blood vessels.
MRI offers unmatched soft-tissue contrast and is widely used in specialist care for diagnosing and following-up disease of the intracranial.
Is this scan right for you?
Common reasons for having this scan include:
- Sudden, severe headaches (thunderclap headache).
- Neurological symptoms like sudden weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking.
- A history of stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA).
- Known or suspected aneurysms.
- Symptoms suggestive of an arteriovenous malformation (AVM).
- Visual disturbances that may be vascular in origin.
- A family history of brain aneurysms or AVMs.
- Monitoring of known vascular conditions.
What an MRA Intracranial Scan can find
MRI can identify:
- Potential sources of headaches or neurological symptoms.
- The presence and extent of aneurysms.
- Signs of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).
- Narrowing or blockages in cerebral arteries, which could affect blood flow.
- Vascular changes that might be related to stroke risk.
- Other congenital or acquired abnormalities of the brain's blood vessels.
Preparing for your MRA Intracranial Scan
On the day of your scan:
- Remove all jewellery and metal objects before entering the scanning room.
- Wear comfortable clothing; you may be asked to change into a gown.
- Eat and take your usual medications unless specifically advised otherwise by our team.
- You will complete a safety questionnaire before your scan.
Please notify the team if:
- You have a pacemaker or implantable defibrillator.
- You have certain types of cochlear implants or inner ear implants.
- You have any metal implants, such as aneurysm clips, stents, or shrapnel, especially in your head or eyes.
- You are pregnant, particularly in the first trimester.
Your report
Every MRI at MyScanHub is reported by a GMC-registered consultant radiologist. Your written report is delivered securely to your patient portal within 3 working days.
You can download the report and your images from your patient account to share with your GP, physiotherapist or specialist, or add a GP consultation to talk the findings through. How to open and share your results.
Why consider a private MRI scan for the intracranial?
When you need answers quickly — or when prior imaging has been inconclusive — a private MRI at MyScanHub gives you timely access and specialist reporting without the wait.
Private scan benefits include:
- Fast access — same-day or next-day appointments, no waiting list
- Consultant radiologist report within 3 working days
- Fully-private, CQC-registered, GDPR-compliant imaging centre
- Secure online access to your report and images, easy to share with your GP or specialist
Smarter scanning. Proactive health. Peace of mind.
Step 1
Choose
Pick a scan or a programme. No GP referral required.
Step 2
Book
Select a time online — same-day availability most weekdays.
Step 3
Scan
Be seen by consultants at our Dartford, Kent imaging centre.
Step 4
Results
Consultant-led report within 3 working days, accessible online.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an MRA intracranial scan take?
A typical MRA scan of the head takes between 30 and 45 minutes for a single part. Your appointment may be longer to allow for preparation and positioning.
Is MRA safe?
MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves, not ionising radiation, making it a safe imaging technique for most people. We will ask you to complete a safety questionnaire to ensure it's suitable for you.
Can I have contrast dye for my MRA?
Contrast dye (gadolinium) is sometimes used to enhance the images of blood vessels. This is an optional add-on, costing an additional £120, and is only administered if deemed clinically necessary after discussion with our team.
What happens after my scan?
Your scan images will be reviewed by a UK-certified Consultant Radiologist. You will receive your detailed report within 3 working days via your secure online patient portal, which you can download and share with your GP or clinician.
Do I need a GP referral?
No — MyScanHub accepts self-referral for most scans. Our consultant radiologists review every case. Some scans (e.g. contrast studies) do need a referring clinician; we'll let you know at booking.
When will I get my report?
Written reports from a GMC-registered consultant radiologist are delivered within 3 working days of your scan, often sooner. You can access the report — and the imaging — through your patient account at myscanhub.com.
Where is the clinic?
Our imaging centre is at Bluewater Shopping Centre, Dartford, Kent (DA9 9ST), in the Guildhall Outer Car Park — free parking, a few minutes from junction 2 of the M25 and the A2. We're open Monday to Saturday 8am–9pm and Sunday 10am–5pm. Full directions are sent with your booking confirmation.
Ready to book your MRA Intracranial Scan?
Book online in minutes. Same-day and next-day slots available most weekdays in Dartford, Kent. Consultant-reported within 3 working days.
At our clinic in Bluewater Shopping Centre, Dartford: free parking, open seven days. How to find us · All private MRI scans in Dartford & Kent