Private Brain and Head CT Scan from £499
A CT head scan provides rapid cross-sectional images of the brain and skull. It is commonly used in urgent settings to investigate head injury or suspected bleeding, and may be used for other neurological questions when CT is appropriate.
What can a brain and head CT scan assess?
CT can show the skull, brain structures and acute changes such as some types of bleeding. A normal CT does not exclude every neurological condition, and MRI may be more informative for some problems.
Why might a clinician recommend this scan?
- Assessment of selected head injuries
- Investigation of suspected bleeding or certain acute neurological problems
- Assessment of skull fractures or other bony abnormalities
- Further investigation when a clinician considers CT appropriate for the symptoms
How to prepare
Follow your appointment instructions and tell the team about medicines, particularly blood thinners, relevant medical history and any possibility of pregnancy. If symptoms are sudden or severe, seek urgent medical care rather than waiting for a routine scan.
Safety and limitations
CT uses ionising radiation. Routine private imaging is not a substitute for emergency assessment. Sudden weakness, facial droop, new speech difficulty, severe sudden headache, reduced consciousness or significant head injury require urgent emergency care.
CT uses ionising radiation. The imaging team considers whether the expected diagnostic benefit justifies the exposure and uses an appropriate protocol. Some CT examinations use contrast; the team will explain this and check relevant safety information.
How does it compare with other scans?
MRI may provide more detail for selected brain or nerve conditions, but CT is faster and can be particularly useful for certain acute problems. The appropriate test depends on the clinical question.
More than a scan: doctor-led care before and after
Your scan is part of a supported care pathway. You do not need to arrange your own referral.
Before your scan: GP consultation
Discuss your symptoms, medical history and concerns with a GP. This helps you understand whether the scan is appropriate and what the examination is intended to investigate. If imaging is clinically appropriate, PrivateScans arranges the referral as part of the process.
After your scan: understand the report
Your images are reviewed and reported by a Consultant Radiologist. Your post-scan GP consultation gives you an opportunity to discuss the report in context, ask questions and understand possible next steps.
Included with your service
- Pre-scan GP consultation
- Private medical referral where appropriate
- Consultant Radiologist’s report
- Digital access to your images and report
- Post-scan GP consultation
- Dedicated Patient Care Team support
Consultation fee: You pay £25 when you book. If you proceed with the scan, the £25 is deducted from the scan price. If you do not proceed, you pay only the £25 consultation fee.
Brain and Head CT scan FAQs
Practical answers about booking, preparation, reporting and the clinical pathway.
How much does a private brain and head CT scan cost?
A private brain and head CT scan starts from £499. You pay £25 for the pre-scan GP consultation when you book. If you go ahead with the scan, the £25 is deducted from the scan price. If you decide not to proceed, you only pay the £25 consultation fee. If you are unsure whether this scan is right for you, speak to a doctor today.
Do I need a referral?
No, you do not need to arrange your own referral. You start with a pre-scan GP consultation with PrivateScans. The GP discusses your symptoms and medical history and, if the scan is clinically appropriate, PrivateScans arranges the referral as part of the process.
Who reports my scan?
Your images are reviewed and formally reported by a Consultant Radiologist. The written report explains the imaging findings; your post-scan GP consultation helps you discuss the results in the context of your symptoms and possible next steps.
When will I receive my report?
Your Consultant Radiologist’s report is usually available within 3 days of your scan.
What happens before and after the scan?
Your service includes a pre-scan GP consultation, referral arrangements where imaging is clinically appropriate, the scan, a Consultant Radiologist’s report, digital access to your images and report, a post-scan GP consultation and support from the Patient Care Team.
Can a private CT replace urgent hospital assessment?
Can a private CT replace urgent hospital assessment? No. Sudden or severe neurological symptoms or a significant head injury need urgent assessment through emergency services.
Unsure whether this scan is right for you?
Speak to a doctor about your symptoms and the most appropriate next step.