- Physical Examination
- Surgical Examination
- Ophthalmology
- Clinical Skills
- Orthopedics
- Surgery Videos
- Laparoscopy
- Pediatrics
- Funny Videos
- Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Nursing Videos
- Plastic Surgery
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Histology and Histopathology
- Neurosurgery
- Dermatology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Urology
- Dentistry
- Oncology and Cancers
- Anatomy Videos
- Health and Fitness
- Radiology
- Anaesthesia
- Physical Therapy
- Pharmacology
- Interventional Radiology
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Gynecology
- Emergency Medicine
- Psychiatry and Psychology
- Childbirth Videos
- General Medical Videos
- Nephrology
- Physiology
- Diet and Food Health
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Neurology
- Women Health
- Osteoporosis
- Gastroenterology
- Pulmonology
- Hematology
- Rheumatology
- Toxicology
- Nuclear Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Vascular Disease
- Reproductive Health
- Burns and Wound Healing
- Kidney Zone Podcast
- Other
MRI brain scan
Category: Imaging & Scans · All imaging & scans
What it is
An MRI of the brain uses strong magnets and radio waves to produce detailed pictures of the brain and its structures without X-rays. Sequences can highlight tumours, stroke, inflammation, infection, bleeding products and structural abnormalities, and contrast dye may be given to show blood vessels and areas of inflammation or tumour activity.
Why it is done
It investigates headaches with concerning features, seizures, weakness or speech problems, suspected stroke or tumour, memory problems, pituitary issues, and many other neurological symptoms, and monitors known conditions over time.
How to prepare
You will complete a safety questionnaire about metal in your body — pacemakers, implants, clips, shrapnel, previous eye metal injuries. Tell the team about tattoos, pregnancy and claustrophobia. Remove metal objects, cards and jewellery. No fasting unless sedation is planned; kidney function is checked if contrast is planned in people with kidney disease.
What happens during the procedure
You lie on a moving table with a frame (coil) around your head, ear protection for the loud knocking noises, and an emergency buzzer in your hand. The scan takes about 20 to 45 minutes; keeping still is essential. Contrast, when used, is injected part-way through via a cannula.
Afterwards — recovery & results
You can leave straight afterwards (after sedation, with an escort and no driving for 24 hours). The images are reported by a radiologist and results go to your referring team; urgent findings are communicated promptly.
Risks & considerations
MRI has no ionising radiation. Risks relate to metal implants (the safety check is critical), contrast reactions (uncommon), and anxiety in the confined space — most people manage with reassurance, music or mild sedation if needed.
Watch: MRI brain scan videos
Real procedure videos from the MedicalVideos.com library. Some clinical footage is graphic — that is the nature of a medical video library.
Related guides on MedicalVideos.com
Frequently asked questions
Why the loud banging?
It is the scanner's gradient coils switching rapidly as different image slices are acquired. Earplugs plus headphones are provided and the noise is harmless.
My scan showed 'white matter changes' — should I worry?
Small white matter spots are common with age, migraine and blood-vessel risk factors and are often incidental. Your clinician interprets them against your symptoms and risk profile.
Related procedures — Imaging & Scans
Browse the M section of the A–Z list or return to the Procedures & Tests hub.