Immediate access across the UK
Diagnostic Head MRI scans
Read more about what a head MRI scan is, why you might need one and what can be detected from a head MRI scan.
Not ready to book online?
Refer yourselfWhy choose Vista Health for your private MRI head scan?
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Affordable
Scans from £249. See the table below for full price list.
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Accessible
We offer head MRI scans throughout the UK.
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Support
Our dedicated Patient Care Team is available from 8am to 8pm weekdays, and 8am to 1pm weekends.
Get a fast and affordable private MRI head scan
If you think you have a condition affecting your sight or hearing, or you’re experiencing symptoms like headaches, seizures or difficulties in processing information, you’ll want to get a diagnosis quickly. An MRI scan of the head can determine the cause of several conditions, including muscle weakness or numbness, hearing loss, vision problems and dementia.
Vista Health offers affordable private MRI head scans by expert radiologists, right across the UK. With no waiting lists and weekend appointments, we can offer an MRI scan at short notice, at a time that suits your busy schedule.
What is a head MRI scan?
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, which is a way of taking pictures inside the body, including the head, using magnetic fields and radio waves. It’s a safe, painless and non-invasive procedure, capturing high-quality images. Unlike X-rays, MRI doesn’t use potentially harmful radiation.
MRI scanning technology is used extensively to examine the head, diagnosing and assessing a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, eyes and inner ears. At Vista Health we provide different types of MRI scans focused on different areas including the head & brain, inner ears and orbits (eyes).
What symptoms would prompt a head MRI scan?
A head MRI can help identify and assess a wide range of conditions associated with the brain, the eyes and eyesight, and the inner ears. Typical symptoms which might warrant a head MRI scan include:
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persistent headaches
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tremors or seizures
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sensitivity to light
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weakness
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extreme physical fatigue
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extreme mental fatigue
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difficulty processing information
What kinds of private MRI head scans are available?
At Vista Health we provide different types of MRI scans focused on different areas:
Brain & Head MRI scan
A scan of the brain allows your radiologist to see if there are any issues in its structures, including:
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Cerebral cortex
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Brain lobes
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Brainstem
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Ventricles
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Cerebellum
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Thalamus and basal ganglia
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Meninges
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Veins and arteries
Orbits (the eye area) MRI scan
Your orbits consist of several complicated structures associated with the eyes and sight. A scan will show:
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Muscles associated with eye movement
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The globes of each eye
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Eyes
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Both optic nerves
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Blood vessels
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Fat deposits
Inner ears (IAMS) MRI scan
An inner ear scan helps diagnose problems within the internal auditory meatus (IAM), or inner ear canal. The images will show the bones, nerves, and other tissues in that area to diagnose a range of conditions, including hearing loss and tinnitus.
What can a head MRI scan detect?
Depending on the area being scanned, an MRI scan of the head can help diagnose and assess a wide range of diseases, conditions and injuries.
Brain & Head MRI scan
Your radiologist may diagnose you with
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Bleeding
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Inflammation or swelling
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Fluid build-up
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Brain development problems
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Tumours
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Infections
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Pituitary disorders
Orbits scan
This could reveal the presence of
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Haemorrhage
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Inflammation or swelling
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Trauma
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Optic neuropathy
Inner Ears scan
Among the conditions this could diagnose are:
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Acoustic neuromas
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Sensorineural hearing loss
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Ménière’s disease, and other conditions that cause balance problems
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Tinnitus
How do I prepare for a head MRI scan?
Our patient care team will ensure you’re ready for your scan, but you can help by telling them about your medical history. Unless you’re asked to do otherwise, you can continue to eat, drink and take medication as normal before your scan.
Some implants and conditions may affect how your MRI scan is performed, or whether it’s safe to do it at all. These include
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cochlear implants
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ICDs (implantable cardioverter-defibrillators)
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pacemakers
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artificial joints
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artificial heart valves
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allergy to MRI contrast material
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pregnancy
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claustrophobia
If any of these applies to you, please raise the issue with the patient care team before booking an appointment.
What happens during a head MRI scan, and how long does it take?
Your radiologist will ask you to take off any jewellery and empty your pockets, or you may be asked to change into a gown. You’ll then lie on the MRI table during the scan.
Step by step
Your head MRI scan journey
Here’s what to expect when you book a private head MRI scan with Vista Health
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Step 1
Choose your scan type, location and date, then submit the self-referral form or book online. Alternatively, contact our dedicated patient care team for advice and support.
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Step 2
Attend your chosen centre on the day of your appointment. Depending on which kind of head MRI scan you’re having, it should take between 20 and 40 minutes. We ask you to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
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Step 3
Receive a full report and scan images within three days. Add an optional consultation with one of our dedicated private GPs to explain your results. Save 20% on consultation fees when you book along with your scan.
How much does a private head MRI scan cost?
| Label and description | Value |
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Fast Track MRI
Scan within 7 days
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£365
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Standard MRI
Scan from 7 days
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£345
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Off-Peak MRI Scan
Limited fixed scan times
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£249
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Refer yourself or book online now
There are a number of ways to access an MRI scan with Vista Health. You don’t normally need a GP referral, but if you have one, you can submit a referral letter here.
Refer yourself
Fill in the self-referral form and our Patient Care Team will contact you directly.
Book online now
Book your own appointment in a few easy steps.
Enquire now
Ask us any questions you may have before booking.
If you already have a referral letter
You don’t normally need a GP referral, but if you have one, you can submit a referral letter here.
If you don’t have a referral, but would like one
In some circumstances, you might prefer to have a referral from one of our own private GPs. We can arrange this quickly and easily, with a 20% discount on consultancy fees when you book along with your scan. .
Call us on 0333 331 5779
Our Patient Care Team is available from 8am to 8pm weekdays, and 8am to 1pm weekends.
How can we help?
Support
If you’re about to begin a healthcare journey, you’re likely to have a few questions. We’ve tried to answer the most common queries here - but if you don’t find what you’re looking for, you can always ask one of our friendly patient care advisors.
Can you help me understand my results?
If you’d like to discuss your scan results with one of our GPs, you can arrange a consultation. There’s a 20% discount on consultation fees if you book when you arrange your scan.
Can I refer myself?
We accept self-referral in most cases. Self-referral allows you to take control of your own health with direct access to our own specialist diagnostic services. We also offer a GP consultation service to provide you with a referral if you need one.
What if I need an open or upright scanner?
For some patients - including those with restricted mobility, anxiety and people with claustrophobia - the standard ‘tunnel-style’ MRI scanner may be challenging. An alternative is the open and upright scanner, which can be more comfortable for some patients. This provides comfort and reassurance, and offers a variety of scanning positions including sitting, standing, leaning, and lying.
What body part can I have scanned?
We offer a range of MRI scans to assist you in obtaining the diagnosis you require.
Can you help me understand my results?
We will send your diagnostic report to your referrer or GP, or if you’d like to discuss your scan results with one of our GPs, you can arrange a consultation. There’s a 20% discount on consultation fees if you book when you arrange your scan.
How long does an MRI scan take?
Most scans take between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on the size of the area we’re investigating. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
How much will an MRI scan cost?
Our MRI scans start from £249. The fee includes a full written report within 3 working days, and access to your images online to view, download or share with a medical professional such as your GP. When you book online, you’ll have the option to spread the cost over three months, interest free.
How soon can I have my MRI scan?
With MRI facilities across the UK, we can offer scans at short notice. We work evenings, weekends and bank holidays, and you can self-refer and book here>>
Can I refer myself for an MRI?
We accept self-referral in most cases. We also offer a GP consultation service to provide you with a referral if you need one