MRI Brain Scan
An MRI of the brain produces highly detailed images of the brain tissue, blood vessels, ventricles, nerves, and skull base structures. It's an essential scan for diagnosing causes of headaches, seizures, dizziness, visual changes, memory loss, or other neurological symptoms.
Written by the MyScanHub content team3 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 MRI Brain Scan?
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses powerful magnets and radiofrequency waves — with no ionising radiation — to create high-resolution cross-sectional images.
An MRI Brain Scan allows your radiologist to examine:
- Brain structure and white/grey matter
- Blood supply and vascular anomalies
- Ventricular system and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow
- Cranial nerves and sinuses
- Brainstem and cerebellum
MRI offers unmatched soft-tissue contrast and is widely used in specialist care for diagnosing and following-up disease of the brain.
Is this scan right for you?
Common reasons for having this scan include:
- Persistent or severe headaches
- Seizures or unexplained blackouts
- Visual disturbances or hearing loss
- Memory loss or cognitive changes
- Suspected stroke or mini-stroke (TIA)
- Dizziness, balance problems, or vertigo
- Suspected brain tumours, cysts, or MS
What an MRI Brain Scan can find
MRI can identify:
- Brain tumours, cysts, or abscesses
- Strokes and ischemic lesions
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) plaques
- Hydrocephalus or CSF flow problems
- Vascular malformations or aneurysms
- Infections, inflammation, or trauma
- Brain atrophy or neurodegenerative disorders
Preparing for your MRI Brain Scan
On the day of your scan:
- Remove all metallic accessories (jewellery, hairpins, glasses)
- Inform the team if you wear hearing aids or implants
- Eat and take medications as usual unless advised otherwise
- Bring neurologist letters or previous scan reports if available
Please notify the team if:
- You have metal in your head (clips, implants, shunts)
- You wear a pacemaker or other cardiac device
- You are pregnant, especially in the first trimester
- You experience anxiety or claustrophobia in enclosed spaces
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 brain?
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
Will I need contrast (gadolinium) for my brain MRI?
Most routine brain MRIs don't need contrast. If the radiologist requests it — usually when screening for tumours, inflammatory lesions, or post-surgical changes — we'll discuss it before the scan.
How long does an MRI brain scan take?
Typical acquisition is 30–45 minutes inside the scanner. Arrive 15 minutes early to complete safety screening.
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 MRI Brain 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