Not for emergencies. For sudden severe headache (worst of your life), stroke-like symptoms (face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty), altered consciousness, major trauma, or any urgent symptom — call 911 immediately. DOD is not an emergency service.
Brain MRI: What Patients Should Know
A brain MRI uses magnetic resonance imaging to create detailed images of the brain's structures. It does not use ionizing radiation and provides excellent soft tissue contrast for evaluation of the brain, brainstem, cerebellum, and surrounding structures.
Educational content only. Whether a brain MRI is medically appropriate for any individual is determined by a licensed provider. DOD does not perform or interpret brain MRI scans.
Quick Answer
A brain MRI creates detailed cross-sectional images of brain structures using magnetic fields and radio waves (no radiation). Brain MRI may be considered in various clinical situations as determined by a licensed provider. Provider orders are required at most facilities. DOD can review brain MRI order requests for eligible patients in supported states. Brain MRI typically takes 30–60 minutes. For emergency neurological symptoms, call 911 — do not seek an MRI order through DOD.
What Brain MRI Images
Brain MRI provides high-resolution images of the brain's anatomy. According to RadiologyInfo.org, brain MRI can show the size, shape, and structure of brain tissue, including the cerebral hemispheres, deep gray matter structures, cerebellum, brainstem, ventricles, and surrounding cerebrospinal fluid spaces. Standard brain MRI protocols use multiple sequences (T1, T2, FLAIR, DWI, etc.) that each highlight different tissue properties and are selected based on the clinical question.
Cerebral Cortex and White Matter
Gray and white matter structures — cortical thickness, white matter signal characteristics
Deep Gray Matter
Basal ganglia, thalamus, internal capsule
Cerebellum
Cerebellar hemispheres, vermis, cerebellar peduncles
Brainstem
Midbrain, pons, medulla
Ventricles and CSF
Ventricular size, shape, and cerebrospinal fluid distribution
Pituitary Gland
Size, morphology — dedicated pituitary protocols available
Cranial Nerves (selected)
CN V, VII/VIII, IX-XII visible in dedicated sequences
Intracranial Vessels (MRA)
Circle of Willis and major cerebral arteries — with specific MRA sequences
Educational only. Brain MRI results must be interpreted by a licensed radiologist or neurologist. MRI images do not establish a diagnosis on their own.
Brain MRI With and Without Contrast
Brain MRI may be ordered without contrast, with gadolinium contrast, or as a combined without/with contrast study. The ordering provider specifies the contrast requirement based on the clinical question. Gadolinium contrast can enhance visualization of areas where the blood-brain barrier may be disrupted or where increased vascularity is present. Patients with kidney disease should inform both DOD and the imaging facility before contrast brain MRI.
MRI With Contrast — What Patients Should KnowFrequently Asked Questions — Brain MRI
Sources and Further Reading
- Brain MRI — Patient Information — RadiologyInfo.org (ACR / RSNA)
- MRI Scans — Overview — MedlinePlus (NIH)
- MRI Safety — FDA — U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Related Education and Order Pages
Need a Provider Review for a Brain MRI Order?
$40 virtual provider review. Orders issued only when medically appropriate. Not for emergencies.
Start Virtual Consult — $40Not for emergencies. Orders not guaranteed.
Educational content only. DOD does not perform or interpret brain MRI. For neurological emergencies, call 911 immediately.