Brain MRI in St. Louis — $399 Flat Rate, Non-Contrast
Non-contrast brain MRI is the standard study for persistent headache, dizziness, and unexplained neurological symptoms. It can show brain tissue, ventricles, and white matter in far more detail than CT, without radiation.
A doctor's order is required — your provider can fax it to (314) 804-7226.
A Doctor's Order Is Required
We require a doctor's order before we can perform an MRI, and so do Medicare and most insurance plans. No order yet? We can help you get one — most patients arrange it in a day or two.
What the Radiologist Looks For
- White matter changes and small vessel disease
- Old and chronic infarcts
- Demyelinating lesions suggestive of multiple sclerosis
- Mass effect, midline shift, and larger space-occupying lesions
- Hydrocephalus and ventricular enlargement
- Chiari malformation
- Age-related atrophy patterns
- Sinus and mastoid disease visible on brain sequences
Who Orders This
Ordered for headaches that changed in pattern or severity, dizziness, memory concerns, vision changes, or as MS surveillance.
How to Prepare
- No fasting or special preparation.
- No hairspray, gel, or dry shampoo on the day of the scan.
- Remove all earrings, hair clips, and facial jewelry.
- Eye makeup should be removed — some contains metallic pigment.
Common Questions
For many questions, no. Non-contrast brain MRI evaluates structure, white matter, and most mass lesions. Contrast is genuinely needed for suspected tumor characterization, active MS lesion dating, infection, and pituitary or internal auditory canal studies. We perform non-contrast studies only — if your clinical question requires contrast, we will tell you and refer you rather than run an incomplete study.
Not reliably. Aneurysm evaluation requires MRA or CTA, which are vascular studies. A standard brain MRI may incidentally show a large aneurysm but is not the right test for that question.
Loud — comparable to a jackhammer at intervals. You'll wear earplugs and over-ear hearing protection.
New to MRIs? Read our complete guide to what to expect · More questions? See all FAQs · Read patient reviews
Related Scans
Request Your Brain MRI
Flat rate $399. No insurance required. Same-day appointments by phone.