When it comes to stroke, time is everything. A stroke can strike suddenly and without warning, but in many cases, the risk can be identified before it becomes an emergency. At the Dr. Rami Hamed Center (DRHC) in Dubai, we offer advanced brain imaging like Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) to help detect and prevent strokes—before it’s too late.
If you or a loved one is at risk, it’s natural to feel anxious. That’s why we’re here to walk you through what an MRA brain scan is, why it matters, and what to expect when you visit us.
What Is an MRA Brain Scan?
An MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography) is a specialized type of MRI scan that focuses on the blood vessels in your brain. It helps identify conditions that can increase your risk of stroke, including:
- Narrowed or blocked arteries
- Brain aneurysms
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
- Blood clots
- Blood clots
- Carotid artery disease
This imaging is non-invasive, doesn’t use radiation, and is often performed without contrast dye—making it safer and more comfortable than traditional angiography.
Who Should Consider an MRA Brain Scan?
You may benefit from an MRA brain scan at DRHC Dubai if you:
- Have a family history of stroke, aneurysms, or vascular disease
- Suffer from persistent headaches, dizziness, or unexplained visual changes
- Have high blood pressure, diabetes, or elevated cholesterol
- Have experienced a mini-stroke (TIA)
- Smoke or have other cardiovascular risk factors
Our experienced doctors at DRHC can help assess your stroke risk and guide you toward the right preventive measures.
Is the Scan Painful or Risky?
Many patients are relieved to learn that an MRA scan is:
- Painless – you’ll lie still inside the MRI machine
- Radiation-free – unlike CT scans, it uses magnetic fields
- Non-invasive – usually doesn’t require contrast dye or injections
- Safe for most patients, including the elderly and those with chronic conditions (exceptions apply for those with certain metal implants or pacemakers)
The scan typically takes around 30–45 minutes, and you can return to your regular activities shortly after.
What Will the Scan Show?
The MRA provides detailed images of your brain’s blood vessels, allowing doctors to:
- Detect blocked or narrowed arteries
- Identify aneurysms before they rupture
- Spot abnormal connections between blood vessels (AVMs)
- Assess the risk of future strokes
This information can guide lifestyle changes, medications, or even minimally invasive interventions to prevent a serious event.
What Happens After the Scan?
At DRHC Dubai, our team of radiologists and neurologists will:
- Carefully review your scan results
- Discuss the findings with you in easy-to-understand language
- Recommend next steps—whether that’s regular monitoring, further testing, or treatment
- Provide a supportive care plan designed for your individual needs
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