Medically reviewed by Prof. Dr. Aamer Nadeem Chaudhary, M.B.B.S., D.M.R.D., F.C.P.S. (Diagnostic Radiology), Consultant, Al-Nasar Lab & Diagnostic Centre. Updated September 2026.
Quick answer: An MRI brain uses a magnetic field, not radiation, to image brain tissue in fine detail. It is the best test for stroke, tumours, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, memory loss and unexplained headache. A routine scan takes 20 to 40 minutes. Adding MRA to look at blood vessels needs no injection at all.
Book an MRI brain: call 0300 0341944. MRI is performed at our main Johar Town campus.
What does an MRI brain actually show?
| Condition | What the MRI shows |
|---|---|
| Stroke | Diffusion imaging detects a stroke within minutes of onset, long before it appears on CT |
| Brain tumour | Size, exact location, effect on surrounding tissue, and whether it is likely benign or aggressive |
| Multiple sclerosis | The demyelinating plaques that define the diagnosis. MRI is essential here and CT is of no use |
| Epilepsy | Scarring in the temporal lobe, malformations and other structural causes of seizures |
| Dementia and memory loss | Pattern and degree of brain shrinkage, and small vessel disease |
| Infection | Abscess, meningitis complications, tuberculoma, which remains important in Pakistan |
| Pituitary problems | Small tumours of the pituitary gland, using a dedicated pituitary protocol |
| Acoustic neuroma | Tumour of the hearing nerve in one sided hearing loss or ringing |
MRI brain or CT brain, which do you need?
These are not interchangeable, and the right choice depends almost entirely on how urgent the situation is.
CT is the right first test in an emergency. After a head injury, or when a bleed is suspected, CT takes under a minute, shows fresh blood and skull fractures immediately, and can be done on an unstable patient. That speed is the whole point.
MRI is the right test for everything else. It shows the brain tissue itself with far greater contrast, it detects an ischaemic stroke hours earlier than CT, and it sees into the brainstem and posterior fossa, areas where CT images are degraded by surrounding bone.
Our detailed comparison is here: brain CT versus brain MRI.
What is MRA and when is it added?
MRA stands for Magnetic Resonance Angiography. It images the blood vessels of the brain and neck, and the useful part is that it can be done without any injection, because moving blood produces its own signal.
MRA is commonly added when the question involves:
- Aneurysm, particularly with a family history or a sudden severe headache
- Narrowed or blocked arteries after a stroke or mini stroke
- Vascular malformations
- Unexplained severe headache where a vascular cause is being excluded
MRV, the venous version, is used when a clot in the brain veins is suspected. That is an important one in Pakistan, since it can present in pregnancy and shortly after delivery.
Do you need contrast for a brain MRI?
Often not. Stroke, MS, epilepsy and routine headache protocols are frequently completed without any injection.
Contrast is added when a tumour, infection or inflammation is suspected, because gadolinium highlights tissue with an abnormal blood supply and shows the true extent of a lesion. It is also standard for pituitary and acoustic neuroma protocols, and for follow up after brain surgery.
If contrast is likely, your kidney function may be checked first. More on this in our guide to MRI with contrast and gadolinium safety.
When should a headache be scanned?
Most headaches do not need imaging. Migraine and tension headache are diagnosed clinically, and a normal scan does not make the headache better.
Scanning becomes important when there are warning features:
- A sudden, severe headache reaching maximum intensity within seconds
- Headache with fever, neck stiffness, confusion or fits
- Headache that is worse in the morning, or worse on coughing, straining or lying flat
- Headache with vomiting, visual loss, double vision or weakness
- A clear change in pattern in someone with long standing headaches
- A new headache after the age of 50
- Headache in someone with cancer or a weakened immune system
Any of these should be assessed by a doctor promptly rather than managed with painkillers.
What happens during the scan?
You lie on your back and a padded coil is placed around your head. This is a receiver, not a restraint, and it is what produces the image detail. Your head enters the scanner, which is the part people find hardest.
The scanner is loud, producing repeated knocking and buzzing. Ear protection is provided, and you have a call button throughout. Each sequence runs for a few minutes, and staying still is the single most important thing you can do, because movement blurs the images and forces sequences to be repeated.
Total time is 20 to 40 minutes, longer if MRA or contrast is included. There is no pain and no radiation.
If enclosed spaces are difficult for you, say so when booking. Our open MRI option exists for exactly this reason.
Who should not have an MRI?
MRI uses a powerful magnet, so implants matter. Tell the radiology team before your appointment if you have:
- A pacemaker or implanted defibrillator, unless it is a documented MRI conditional device
- A cochlear implant or a neurostimulator
- Older aneurysm clips in the brain
- Any metal fragment in the eye, which matters for anyone with a history of metal grinding or welding
- Recently placed surgical implants or stents
Most modern implants are MRI safe. Bring your implant card if you have one. Further detail in is MRI safe and what to expect.
How to prepare
- No fasting is needed for a routine brain MRI, and you can take your usual medicines
- Wear clothing without metal. You may be given a gown
- Leave jewellery, hairpins and watches at home or with an attendant
- Remove hair extensions, wigs and heavy makeup, since some contain metallic particles
- Bring previous scans, reports and your referral letter. Comparison with an older study often changes the reading
- Arrive a little early to complete the safety questionnaire
MRI brain at Al-Nasar Lab
Al-Nasar Lab & Diagnostic Centre has served Lahore since 1996 and holds ISO 15189:2022 accreditation from the Pakistan National Accreditation Council. Brain MRI, MRA, MRV and dedicated pituitary protocols are performed at our Johar Town campus and reported by consultant radiologists, with digital reports and images available for your neurologist or neurosurgeon.
See our brain MRI service page, the full MRI in Lahore range, or contact us to book. Find your nearest location.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an MRI brain take?
Usually 20 to 40 minutes. Adding MRA or contrast extends it, and a dedicated pituitary or epilepsy protocol can take longer.
Is MRI better than CT for the brain?
For most non emergency questions, yes. MRI shows brain tissue in far greater detail and detects stroke much earlier. CT remains the better first test after head injury or when a fresh bleed is suspected, because it is faster.
Does an MRI brain need an injection?
Often not. Many brain protocols are completed without contrast. It is added when a tumour, infection or inflammation is suspected, and for pituitary studies.
Can I have an MRI if I am claustrophobic?
Usually yes. Tell the team when booking so they can plan for it, and ask about the open MRI option, which is much less enclosed.
Is an MRI safe in pregnancy?
MRI uses no radiation and is generally considered safe, though contrast is usually avoided. Always tell the radiology team if you are or might be pregnant so the protocol can be adjusted.
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please discuss your results with a qualified doctor.
