Brain MRI

High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging of the brain performed on a Siemens 3-Tesla platform, providing detailed visualisation of cerebral structures, white-matter tracts, and vascular anatomy without ionising radiation. The scan covers the entire cranial vault from vertex to foramen magnum, generating multi-planar images in T1, T2, FLAIR, and diffusion-weighted sequences that allow identification of lesions, mass effects, demyelination, and early ischaemic changes.

The brain MRI at HELIMED uses a 3T Siemens MAGNETOM system with a dedicated multi-channel head coil that delivers signal-to-noise ratios substantially higher than conventional 1.5T scanners. This translates directly into finer anatomical detail — structures as small as 1-2 millimetres can be resolved, which matters for detecting early-stage tumours, micro-bleeds, and subtle cortical abnormalities that lower-field systems may miss. The standard protocol acquires T1-weighted, T2-weighted, FLAIR, and diffusion-weighted sequences. T1 images define grey-white matter boundaries and anatomical landmarks. T2 and FLAIR sequences highlight oedema, gliosis, and demyelinating plaques — making the scan particularly valuable for multiple sclerosis surveillance and post-stroke follow-up. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) detects acute ischaemia within minutes of onset, well before conventional sequences show abnormality. When clinically indicated, contrast-enhanced sequences using gadolinium can be added to evaluate blood-brain barrier disruption, tumour vascularity, or inflammatory activity. Sedation is available at the Ceglana 7 location for patients who experience claustrophobia or for paediatric cases requiring immobilisation. Scan duration typically falls between 25 and 40 minutes depending on the protocol selected. Results are reported by radiologists with subspecialty neuroradiology training, and images are delivered digitally.