Brain MRI/MRA Scan

A standalone 3.0 Tesla MRI and MRA scan of the brain, available as an add-on to any health checkup package or booked independently. The MRI evaluates brain tissue for tumours, ischaemic changes, and white matter lesions, while the MRA maps cerebral arteries to screen for aneurysms, stenosis, and vascular malformations without contrast injection.

Tokyo Midtown Clinic's brain MRI/MRA uses a 3.0 Tesla scanner, which produces images at roughly double the signal-to-noise ratio of the more common 1.5 Tesla units found in many screening facilities. This higher field strength translates into finer spatial resolution and better detection of small lesions, making it particularly valuable for screening purposes where the goal is to find abnormalities before they become symptomatic. The MRI portion produces multiple image sequences — T1-weighted, T2-weighted, FLAIR, and diffusion-weighted — each optimised to highlight different tissue characteristics. T1 images excel at showing anatomical detail and certain types of lesions. T2 and FLAIR sequences are sensitive to oedema, inflammation, and demyelination. Diffusion-weighted imaging can detect acute ischaemic events that other sequences miss. Together, these sequences provide a comprehensive evaluation of brain parenchyma. The MRA component uses time-of-flight (TOF) technique to visualise flowing blood in cerebral arteries without the need for intravenous contrast agents. This makes the scan suitable for patients with contrast allergies or kidney concerns. The MRA evaluates the internal carotid arteries, the circle of Willis, the middle cerebral arteries, and the vertebrobasilar system. Unruptured aneurysms as small as three millimetres can be detected, along with stenosis, dissections, and arteriovenous malformations. The actual time inside the scanner is approximately 25 to 30 minutes. The remaining appointment time covers patient preparation, positioning, and a brief radiologist review to ensure image quality before the patient leaves. Full results are included in the patient's overall screening report if booked alongside a dock package, or delivered as a standalone report within a few business days.