MRI Scan in Dehradun

Typically ₹3,500 to ₹9,000 for a single-region study, depending on the body part, the scanner used and whether contrast is required. Plain 1.5T brain, knee and single-level spine studies sit at the lower end; 3T multiparametric prostate, whole spine and contrast-enhanced studies sit above it. Whole body screening and PET-CT are priced separately. Our full breakdown is on the MRI scan cost in Dehradun page.

Most studies run 15 to 45 minutes of actual scanning. A routine brain or knee MRI is usually 20 to 30 minutes, whole spine 40 to 55, and contrast adds roughly ten minutes plus cannulation time. Budget 60 to 90 minutes at the centre in total once registration, changing and screening are included.

MRI uses a strong static magnetic field and radio-frequency pulses. There is no ionising radiation at all, which is why it can be repeated as often as clinically needed and is preferred in children and in pregnancy after the first trimester where imaging is unavoidable.

The real risks are mechanical and thermal rather than radiological: ferromagnetic objects becoming projectiles, implanted devices malfunctioning, and tissue heating during long sequences. All three are managed by proper screening, which is why we are insistent about it.

Strongly recommended, and for contrast studies effectively required. The prescription tells the radiologist what clinical question they are answering, which determines the sequences, the planes and whether contrast is justified. An MRI ordered without that context frequently produces a technically fine scan that does not answer the question the patient actually came with.

Routine studies are reported the same day, typically within four to six hours. Emergency and inpatient studies are prioritised. You receive a digital report and images on WhatsApp or email, plus printed films, a CD and a signed report at the centre.

Field strength. A 3T magnet gives roughly twice the signal-to-noise ratio of a 1.5T, which can be spent on finer detail or shorter scans. It is preferred for small brain lesions, pituitary and inner-ear imaging, prostate mpMRI, cartilage and peripheral nerve work.

1.5T is not a lesser option. It produces less artefact around metal implants, has a lower specific absorption rate, and remains the standard for the majority of brain, spine and joint imaging. The right answer depends on your clinical question and your implant history, not on which machine sounds more impressive.

Yes, in almost all cases. Tell us when you book so we can plan for it: shortest viable protocol, feet-first positioning where the anatomy allows, a mirror to see out of the bore, music through headphones, a companion in the room where permitted, and a squeeze-ball that halts the scan instantly. For severe claustrophobia, a mild oral sedative prescribed by your referring doctor works well — arrange someone to drive you home.

It depends entirely on the device. Many modern pacemakers and defibrillators are MR-conditional and can be scanned under a specific protocol with cardiology support. Older devices often cannot. Cochlear implants and cerebral aneurysm clips need individual assessment against the manufacturer's documentation.

Most orthopaedic implants — joint replacements, plates, screws, rods — are safe, though they cause local artefact. Bring your implant card if you have one. If a device rules out MRI, a CT scan is frequently a workable alternative and we will tell you so.