Duration of a cranial MRI | MRT of the skull

Duration of a cranial MRI

The examination of the skull in the MRI takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the question. During this period, the patient must not move while in the “tube” in order to ensure good image quality. The imaging is initially performed without contrast medium. In some cases, after a short interruption in which the patient is administered contrast medium through a vein, imaging is repeated.

Costs of a cranial MRI

The costs of an MRI examination of the skull in a closed MRI are covered by the health insurance companies in case of clinically necessary questions. For an examination in an open MRI (e.g. for claustrophobia), an application should be made to the health insurance companies for the costs to be covered. This application must include a justification for the necessity of an open MRI and a cost estimate.

The price of an MRI examination of the skull for self-pay patients or private patients depends on the extent of the examination. It is approximately between 500 and 1000€. If contrast medium is administered during the examination, additional costs of up to 100€ are incurred.

MRT for claustrophobia

When the skull is examined by MRI, there is a risk of claustrophobia. The patient’s head as well as the upper part of the body is inside the tube, which is about 60 to 70 cm wide. In addition, the head is enclosed by a coil, which makes the tube appear even narrower.

The doctor performing the examination should be informed about the patient’s claustrophobia before the examination. If the patient wishes, a sedative can be administered before the examination. During the examination, the patient is given a button in his hand, with which he can stop the examination at any time if his discomfort increases.

Alternatively, an examination of the skull can also be performed in an open MRI. This is a C-shaped magnet, which gives the patient a 320° panoramic view. Due to the use of a weaker magnetic field, however, the examination in an open MRI is not suitable for all clinical questions.