MRI Head / Brain (with contrast)

A contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance scan of the brain, in which an intravenous gadolinium-based agent is given during the examination to make certain structures and changes stand out more clearly. It is used when a plain scan may not give enough information — for example to characterise a lesion already seen, to look more closely at inflammatory or vascular changes, or for follow-up where contrast was used before. The fixed self-pay price covers both the scan and the contrast agent, with the radiologist confirming suitability before injection.

A contrast-enhanced head MRI adds an intravenous gadolinium-based contrast agent to a standard brain examination. The contrast travels in the bloodstream and helps highlight areas where the blood supply or tissue characteristics differ, which can make certain findings — such as a previously seen lesion, areas of inflammation, or abnormalities of the small vessels and membranes around the brain — clearer and easier to characterise. A radiologist decides when contrast is worthwhile, and at Centrum Medyczne Zabobrze the published price for this study already includes the agent. The scan is performed on the centre's 2025 GE Signa Victor 1.5 Tesla system. A typical contrast study runs a little longer than a plain scan: a first set of images is acquired, the contrast is injected through a small cannula in the arm, and further images are taken afterwards, so you should allow extra time around the appointment. As with any MRI you lie still inside the scanner with a head coil in place and hearing protection on. Because the agent is given intravenously and cleared by the kidneys, the centre asks for a recent creatinine (kidney function) result — generally within the previous fourteen days, or seven days for people with known kidney disease — and it is important to declare any allergies, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and any implants or pacemaker before the study. Standard MRI preparation applies: roughly four hours without food, metal-free clothing, and removal of jewellery and other metal items. Findings are issued as a written radiology report, with a faster CITO turnaround available for an additional fee.