Head MRI: preparation and practicalities

How do I prepare?

• Usually no special preparation: you can eat and take your medicines as usual unless the imaging unit tells you otherwise.
• When booking, mention a pacemaker, other metal objects or implants in your body and metal fragments near the eyes, as they can prevent the scan.
• Take off jewellery, your watch and other metal objects before the scan; you often change into a gown.
• Mention claustrophobia: the scan is done inside a tube-shaped machine.

What happens during the examination?

For the head scan you lie on a table that slides into the machine. The machine is loud, so you get hearing protection. The scan usually takes 15–30 minutes and uses no X-rays.

Do I need a referral?

It varies: some providers require a doctor's referral, others accept self-paying patients without one. A referral usually comes from an orthopaedist, general practitioner or other doctor. Kela reimburses the scan only in certain cases, so usually there is no reimbursement.

• Available neurologist appointments

When do I get the results?

A radiologist reports the images, and you go through the results with the doctor who ordered the scan. The report is usually ready within a few days.

How much does it cost?

The lowest price in 4 providers' price lists is from €399.00 (Mehiläinen), the highest €533.90.

• See the full price comparison