Neck arteries
Evaluate visible narrowing and other changes in the carotid and related neck arteries covered by the protocol.
SIMONMED LONGEVITY · HEALTHCHECK 2.3
Carotid & brain vasculature
Follow the vessels.
Understand the view.
Magnetic resonance angiography, or MRA, looks at the arteries in the neck and brain. It adds a focused vascular assessment to the rapid brain MRI in your base HealthCheck.
BUNDLED ADD-ON RATE$199with your $399 HealthCheck 2.0
WHAT IS MRA?
MRI looks at tissue.
MRA looks at blood vessels.
MRA uses MRI technology to create pictures of arteries. Carotid imaging examines major vessels that carry blood through the neck to the brain; intracranial MRA examines arteries inside the skull.[1]
Brain arteries
Look for aneurysms, narrowing and certain other vascular abnormalities in the arteries within the head.
Clinical context
Interpret the images alongside symptoms, family history, blood pressure, cholesterol and other risk information.
TWO CONNECTED VIEWS
From the neck
to the brain.
What the images can reveal
MRA can show the course and shape of blood vessels, areas of narrowing and some aneurysms. Findings may lead to specialist review, surveillance or a different imaging test.
What they cannot promise
MRA does not measure every type of plaque, identify every small abnormality or predict every stroke. It is different from a coronary CT angiogram and does not assess the heart’s coronary arteries.[1]
CHOOSING THE RIGHT TEST
Useful information begins
with the right indication.
Vascular imaging is most useful when there is a clear question. A clinician may consider it for selected symptoms, known vascular disease or certain family histories. Routine screening for carotid narrowing in all adults without symptoms is not recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.[2]
Brain MRA can often be performed without contrast. The exact head-and-neck protocol, and whether contrast is needed, should be confirmed before your exam. A finding does not automatically mean an intervention will help.[1]
New stroke-like symptoms need urgent care. Sudden face droop, arm weakness, speech difficulty or a sudden severe headache should not wait for a screening appointment.
YOUR EXAM
Advanced Testing.
Results. Plan.
Before
Discuss the clinical question, prior vascular imaging, implants, metal and any contrast considerations with your team.
During
Lie still in the MRI scanner while focused head and neck vascular images are acquired.
After
An expert radiologist reviews the images. Your usual clinician helps connect any findings to follow-up and prevention decisions.
GOOD TO KNOW
Your questions,
answered.
Is this already included in the rapid brain MRI?
No. The base HealthCheck includes rapid brain MRI; this add-on specifically evaluates the carotid and intracranial arteries with MRA.
Does a normal result mean I cannot have a stroke?
No. Stroke can have several causes, including conditions MRA does not identify. Continue management of blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking and other risk factors with your clinician.
Is there radiation?
MRA uses magnetic fields and radio waves, not ionizing radiation. MRI safety screening is still required.
GO FURTHER, THOUGHTFULLY
Connect the right tests.
CONCIERGE SIMONMED LONGEVITY SCHEDULING
Make it part
of your conversation.
xxx xxx xxxx
Locations nationwide · Exam availability varies by location.
HealthCheck 2.3 · $199
Bundled with your $399 HealthCheck 2.0. Add-ons require clinical suitability and may need more time or a separate appointment.
Plan your visit ↗THE EVIDENCE BEHIND THE EXPLANATION
Sources & science.
- RadiologyInfo (ACR/RSNA). Magnetic Resonance Angiography.
- USPSTF. Asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis: screening recommendation.
- Image: Mra1.jpg, Ofir Glazer, CC BY-SA 3.0; unchanged.
- Image license: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0.
Sources reviewed September 19, 2026. Study populations and limitations are described above. Educational information complements individualized medical care.