Face and Facial Nerve MRI in Singapore: Price, Uses and Scanner Options

Face/facial nerve MRI price: S$1,030

A face or facial nerve MRI available through The Pain Relief Clinic in Singapore currently costs S$1,030.

The S$1,030 price includes:

• The prescribed face or facial nerve MRI scan
• Images from the examination
• A radiologist’s report

MRI scanner options available

Depending on the clinical requirements and imaging-centre availability, The Pain Relief Clinic can help arrange:

• 1.5 Tesla MRI
• 3 Tesla MRI
• Wide-bore MRI for patients who are claustrophobic or uncomfortable in conventional MRI scanners

The most appropriate scanner and protocol depend on the symptoms, part of the facial nerve being assessed, required anatomical coverage, implants, body size and type of images required.

A 3 Tesla MRI is not automatically necessary or better for every facial condition.

Current price: S$1,030
Price last reviewed: 10 August 2026
MRI strength options: 1.5 Tesla and 3 Tesla, depending on clinical requirements
Claustrophobia option: Wide-bore MRI available, subject to suitability and availability
Appointment availability: Often within one working day, subject to availability and MRI safety clearance
MediSave: Up to S$600 may be available for eligible outpatient scans, subject to prevailing conditions
Insurance: Coverage depends on the patient’s policy, medical indication and insurer approval

Additional charges may apply if contrast, specialised cranial-nerve sequences, broader brain or neck coverage, or a different MRI protocol is medically required.

The final scanner, anatomical coverage, use of contrast, protocol and price will be confirmed before proceeding.

When medically indicated, The Pain Relief Clinic can often help arrange a face or facial nerve MRI within one working day, subject to imaging-centre availability and scheduling.

What is a face or facial nerve MRI?

A face MRI uses magnetic resonance imaging to examine selected facial structures and surrounding soft tissues.

A facial nerve MRI uses a more focused protocol to assess the course of the facial nerve and relevant surrounding structures.

MRI does not use X-rays or ionising radiation. It uses a strong magnetic field, radiofrequency signals and computer processing to produce detailed images.

Depending on the prescribed protocol, the examination may assess:

• Facial soft tissues
• Facial muscles
• Facial nerve and surrounding structures
• Brainstem region
• Internal auditory canals
• Areas around the ear
• Parotid regions
• Skull base
• Bone marrow
• Areas of inflammation or abnormal enhancement
• Soft-tissue lumps or masses

“Face MRI” and “facial nerve MRI” are not always interchangeable terms. Different symptoms require different anatomical coverage and imaging sequences.

A patient with facial weakness may require a different protocol from someone with a facial lump, unexplained facial pain or suspected parotid-region abnormality.

When might a doctor consider a facial nerve MRI?

A doctor may consider facial nerve MRI when symptoms or examination findings suggest an abnormality along the course of the nerve.

Possible situations include:

• Persistent or unexplained facial weakness
• Facial paralysis with atypical features
• Recurrent facial paralysis
• Gradually progressive facial weakness
• Weakness affecting only selected facial nerve branches
• Facial weakness accompanied by hearing changes
• Facial weakness accompanied by persistent balance symptoms
• Symptoms that are not recovering as expected
• Suspected facial nerve inflammation
• Concern about nerve compression
• A relevant history of facial, ear, parotid or skull-base surgery
• An abnormality identified on another investigation
• Planning treatment when MRI findings could affect the decision

Not every episode of facial weakness requires MRI.

A doctor should first assess whether the symptoms may represent:

• Stroke
• Bell’s palsy
• Ear disease
• Infection
• Trauma
• Facial nerve compression
• Another neurological condition
• Another medical emergency

When might a doctor consider a face MRI?

A face MRI may be considered when the clinical concern involves facial soft tissues rather than the facial nerve alone.

Possible situations include:

• An unexplained facial lump
• Persistent facial swelling
• A soft-tissue abnormality identified on another scan
• Suspected inflammation or infection
• Persistent symptoms following facial trauma
• Unexplained facial asymmetry
• Symptoms following previous facial surgery
• A relevant history of cancer with a new facial abnormality
• Planning treatment when MRI findings could affect the decision

The correct scan coverage must be selected before proceeding.

Depending on the location of the symptoms, another examination may be more appropriate, such as:

• Brain MRI
• Internal auditory canal MRI
• Orbit MRI
• Parotid MRI
• Temporomandibular-joint MRI
• Sinus CT
• Neck MRI
• Dental imaging

Facial weakness or paralysis

Facial weakness may affect:

• Forehead movement
• Eye closure
• Smiling
• Mouth movement
• Speech
• Drinking
• Eating
• Facial expression

Possible causes include:

• Bell’s palsy
• Stroke
• Infection
• Trauma
• Inflammation
• Facial nerve compression
• Ear-related conditions
• Parotid-region abnormalities
• Other neurological conditions

The pattern and timing of weakness are important.

A person who suddenly develops facial weakness must be assessed urgently, particularly when it occurs with:

• Arm or leg weakness
• Numbness
• Difficulty speaking
• Severe headache
• Loss of balance
• Double vision
• Confusion

Do not wait for an outpatient MRI if stroke is possible.

Bell’s palsy and MRI

Bell’s palsy is a common cause of sudden weakness affecting one side of the face.

Typical Bell’s palsy can often be diagnosed based on the history and examination without MRI.

MRI may be considered when:

• The diagnosis is uncertain
• Weakness develops gradually rather than suddenly
• Symptoms recur
• Only part of the facial nerve appears affected
• Other neurological symptoms are present
• Hearing or balance symptoms are present
• Recovery is not occurring as expected
• Another structural cause needs to be excluded

Prompt assessment is important because treatment for Bell’s palsy is time-sensitive, and the eye may require protection when it cannot close properly.

MRI should not delay appropriate initial treatment.

Facial pain, numbness or tingling

Facial pain or altered sensation may arise from:

• Trigeminal nerve conditions
• Dental problems
• Temporomandibular-joint disorders
• Sinus conditions
• Headache disorders
• Facial nerve or other cranial nerve abnormalities
• Skin or soft-tissue conditions
• Other neurological or medical causes

The facial nerve primarily controls facial movement. Facial sensation is largely supplied by the trigeminal nerve.

Therefore, numbness or facial pain may require a different MRI protocol from one used to assess facial weakness.

The correct clinical question should be communicated before the scan is arranged.

Facial symptoms affecting daily life

Persistent facial weakness or other facial symptoms can interfere with:

• Smiling
• Speaking
• Eating
• Drinking
• Closing the eye
• Facial expression
• Work
• Social interaction
• Sleep
• Confidence
• Personal appearance
• Communication with family and colleagues

Some people become worried about being seen in public or participating in work and social activities. Difficulty closing the eye may also create a risk of eye dryness or injury.

Understanding the likely cause can help determine whether treatment, eye protection, rehabilitation, imaging or specialist referral is appropriate.

What can a facial nerve MRI show?

The findings depend on the prescribed anatomical coverage, sequences and use of contrast.

Facial nerve and brainstem region

MRI may assess the region where the facial nerve begins near the brainstem and travels towards the internal auditory canal.

It may show:

• Abnormal nerve enhancement
• Possible inflammation
• Structural compression
• A mass affecting the nerve pathway
• Other abnormalities requiring further assessment

Internal auditory canals

A facial nerve protocol may include the internal auditory canals when clinically appropriate.

This may be relevant when facial symptoms occur with:

• Hearing changes
• Tinnitus
• Persistent dizziness
• Balance problems
• Other cranial nerve symptoms

Skull base and ear-related regions

Depending on the protocol, MRI may provide information about areas through which the facial nerve travels.

CT may be more appropriate when detailed assessment of the small bony facial nerve canal is required.

Parotid region

The facial nerve passes through the parotid gland and divides into branches that control facial muscles.

A dedicated parotid or face MRI may be required when there is:

• A lump near the ear or jaw
• Parotid swelling
• Facial weakness associated with a parotid abnormality
• A finding requiring further characterisation

Facial muscles

MRI may show selected changes involving facial muscles and surrounding soft tissues.

These findings must be interpreted with the pattern and duration of nerve dysfunction.

What can a face MRI show?

Depending on the scan protocol, a face MRI may provide information about:

• Facial soft tissues
• Muscles
• Areas of inflammation
• Fluid collections
• Soft-tissue masses
• Relationship of an abnormality to nearby structures
• Selected bone-marrow abnormalities
• Changes following surgery or treatment

A face MRI does not automatically assess every facial structure in equal detail.

Dedicated protocols may be required for:

• Orbits
• Sinuses
• Teeth and jaw
• Temporomandibular joints
• Salivary glands
• Brain
• Cranial nerves

Can MRI determine the exact cause of facial weakness?

Not always.

MRI may identify or exclude certain structural abnormalities, but some facial nerve conditions are diagnosed mainly through the history and examination.

MRI findings must be considered together with:

• Speed of symptom onset
• Pattern of weakness
• Ability to move the forehead
• Ability to close the eye
• Other neurological symptoms
• Hearing and balance symptoms
• Ear findings
• Medical history
• Recovery over time

Additional investigations may include:

• Blood tests
• Hearing tests
• Nerve testing
• CT
• Ear, nose and throat assessment
• Neurological assessment
• Eye assessment
• Other tests based on the suspected condition

Face/facial nerve MRI versus brain MRI

These examinations may overlap but are not identical.

Facial nerve MRI

A facial nerve protocol focuses on the nerve and relevant structures along its course.

It may require:

• Thin imaging slices
• Internal auditory canal coverage
• Skull-base coverage
• Specialised cranial-nerve sequences
• Contrast

Brain MRI

A routine brain MRI provides broader assessment of the brain but may not include every specialised sequence needed for detailed facial nerve evaluation.

The correct examination should be selected according to the symptoms and suspected location of the abnormality.

Face/facial nerve MRI versus CT

MRI and CT provide different information.

MRI

MRI may provide detailed images of:

• Facial nerve
• Other soft tissues
• Brainstem
• Internal auditory canals
• Bone marrow
• Inflammation
• Certain masses

CT

CT may be preferred for:

• Acute facial trauma
• Facial fractures
• Fine bony anatomy
• Temporal bone assessment
• Small bony facial nerve canal
• Certain sinus conditions
• Situations where MRI is unsuitable

CT uses ionising radiation. MRI does not.

When are facial symptoms an emergency?

An outpatient face or facial nerve MRI is not the appropriate first step when symptoms suggest a medical emergency.

Call 995 or seek immediate emergency care if there is:

• Sudden facial drooping
• Arm or leg weakness
• Numbness affecting one side of the body
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Sudden severe headache
• Sudden loss of balance or coordination
• Double vision
• Confusion or loss of consciousness
• Severe facial trauma
• Rapidly increasing facial or neck swelling
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Severe facial swelling with fever
• Sudden loss of vision
• Facial symptoms with chest pain or shortness of breath

Do not delay emergency assessment while waiting for a routine MRI.

Is the face/facial nerve MRI performed on a 1.5 Tesla or 3 Tesla machine?

Both 1.5 Tesla and 3 Tesla MRI machines are available, depending on the clinical situation and imaging-centre availability.

Tesla, abbreviated as “T”, describes the strength of the MRI machine’s magnetic field.

1.5 Tesla face/facial nerve MRI

A 1.5 Tesla MRI can produce clinically useful images for many facial and cranial-nerve conditions when the correct protocol is used.

It may be suitable for assessing:

• Facial soft tissues
• Facial nerve pathway
• Internal auditory canals
• Areas of inflammation
• Many structural abnormalities

3 Tesla face/facial nerve MRI

A 3 Tesla MRI uses a stronger magnetic field and may provide a higher signal or allow more detailed imaging for selected clinical questions.

It may be considered when:

• Small cranial nerve structures require detailed assessment
• Thin imaging slices are clinically useful
• A specialised facial nerve protocol is requested
• The referring doctor or radiologist considers it appropriate
• Imaging requirements favour a 3 Tesla examination

A 3 Tesla MRI is not automatically better for every facial condition. A properly performed 1.5 Tesla examination may provide the required diagnostic information.

The scanner and protocol should be selected according to the clinical question rather than field strength alone.

Is a wide-bore MRI available for claustrophobic patients?

Yes. Wide-bore MRI machines are available for patients who are claustrophobic or uncomfortable in conventional MRI scanners, subject to suitability and appointment availability.

A wide-bore MRI has a larger internal opening than many traditional MRI machines.

The additional space may help patients who:

• Feel anxious in enclosed spaces
• Have previously been unable to complete an MRI
• Are concerned about claustrophobia
• Have a larger body size
• Find conventional scanners uncomfortable
• Prefer a more spacious scanning environment

A wide-bore MRI is not the same as a completely open MRI. The patient’s head will still be positioned inside the scanner because the face and facial nerve are being examined, but the larger opening may feel less restrictive.

Patients concerned about claustrophobia should inform The Pain Relief Clinic before the appointment so that a suitable scanner can be considered.

For severe claustrophobia, additional preparation or medication may still be required.

What are the potential benefits of face/facial nerve MRI?

When medically appropriate, face or facial nerve MRI offers several potential benefits:

• It provides detailed images of facial soft tissues and nerve-related structures
• It may assess the facial nerve pathway
• It may include the brainstem and internal auditory canals when required
• It may identify inflammation, compression or other structural abnormalities
• It may help characterise a facial lump
• It does not use ionising radiation
• It is non-invasive
• Both 1.5 Tesla and 3 Tesla options are available
• Wide-bore MRI is available for selected claustrophobic patients
• The examination includes MRI images
• A radiologist’s report is provided

MRI also has limitations:

• It does not replace emergency stroke assessment
• MRI is not required for every case of typical Bell’s palsy
• Different symptoms require different scan protocols
• MRI does not identify every cause of facial pain or weakness
• Dental or sinus conditions may require other investigations
• CT may be better for fine bony anatomy and acute trauma
• MRI findings must be interpreted with the clinical assessment

Is face/facial nerve MRI safe?

MRI does not use ionising radiation and is generally considered safe when the required safety checks are completed.

Before the scan, tell the clinic and imaging centre if you have:

• A pacemaker or implanted defibrillator
• A cochlear implant
• Aneurysm clips
• A neurostimulator
• An implanted medication pump
• Metal fragments in the eye or body
• Dental implants, braces or other dental hardware
• Previous ear, facial or brain surgery
• Other metallic implants
• Kidney disease
• A previous reaction to MRI contrast
• Pregnancy or possible pregnancy
• Severe claustrophobia
• Difficulty remaining still
• Any implanted or attached medical device

Many dental restorations and implants are safe for MRI, but they may sometimes affect image quality.

The imaging provider must verify relevant implant information before the examination.

Is contrast required?

Contrast is more commonly considered for facial nerve MRI than for many routine musculoskeletal MRI examinations.

Contrast may help assess selected cases involving:

• Facial nerve inflammation
• A suspected mass
• Infection
• Abnormal nerve enhancement
• Internal auditory canal abnormalities
• Skull-base abnormalities
• Previous facial or ear surgery
• A relevant history of cancer
• An abnormality requiring further characterisation

Whether contrast is necessary depends on the symptoms and prescribed protocol.

If contrast is recommended, the reason, relevant safety considerations and any additional charges will be explained before the scan.

What happens during a face/facial nerve MRI?

Before the examination, you will complete an MRI safety questionnaire and remove items that may contain metal.

During the scan:

1. You will lie on the MRI examination table.
2. Your head will be positioned within a specialised imaging coil.
3. The table will move into the scanner.
4. You will hear loud knocking, tapping or humming sounds.
5. Hearing protection will be provided.
6. You will need to keep your head and face still while the images are acquired.
7. Contrast may be administered if required by the protocol.
8. The radiographer will be able to communicate with you throughout the examination.

The duration depends on the required anatomical coverage, specialised sequences and whether contrast is used.

After the examination, a radiologist will review the images and prepare a report.

Current face/facial nerve MRI price in Singapore

Face/facial nerve MRI: S$1,030

The S$1,030 price includes:

• The prescribed face or facial nerve MRI scan
• Images from the examination
• A radiologist’s report
• Access to a 1.5 Tesla or 3 Tesla MRI machine, depending on clinical requirements and availability
• A wide-bore MRI option when appropriate and available

Price last reviewed: 10 August 2026

Additional charges may apply if:

• Contrast is medically required
• Specialised cranial-nerve sequences are required
• Broader brain, ear, skull-base or neck coverage is required
• A different MRI protocol is needed
• Separate orbit, parotid, TMJ or other facial imaging is required
• Additional imaging is requested or recommended

The final scanner, scan coverage, use of contrast, protocol and price will be confirmed before proceeding.

Can MediSave be used for a face/facial nerve MRI?

From 1 January 2026, the MediSave annual withdrawal limit for eligible outpatient scans increased to up to S$600 per patient per year.

Eligibility is not automatic. It depends on:

• Whether the MRI is used to diagnose or treat a medical condition
• The prevailing MediSave rules
• Whether the scan is performed through an eligible participating medical institution
• The patient’s remaining annual withdrawal limit
• Whether the applicable medical and administrative requirements are satisfied

Patients may be able to use their own MediSave or an eligible immediate family member’s MediSave, subject to prevailing rules.

The S$600 figure is a maximum annual withdrawal limit for eligible outpatient scans. It does not guarantee that S$600 will be approved or available for every face or facial nerve MRI.

Please confirm eligibility before proceeding.

Can insurance cover a face/facial nerve MRI?

Private insurance may cover a medically indicated face or facial nerve MRI, but coverage depends on the individual policy.

Possible requirements may include:

• Documented medical necessity
• An appropriate medical referral
• Insurer pre-authorisation
• Use of an approved panel imaging centre
• A deductible or co-payment
• Limits on outpatient diagnostic benefits
• Submission of supporting clinical information
• Submission of the invoice and radiologist’s report

The insurer makes the final decision about approval and reimbursement.

Patients who intend to claim through insurance should confirm their coverage and any pre-authorisation requirements before undergoing the MRI.

How quickly can a face/facial nerve MRI be arranged?

When MRI is medically appropriate, The Pain Relief Clinic can often help arrange a face or facial nerve MRI within one working day.

This is subject to:

• Imaging-centre availability
• Availability of the appropriate 1.5 Tesla or 3 Tesla scanner
• Availability of a wide-bore scanner if requested
• Availability of the required facial nerve or cranial-nerve protocol
• MRI safety clearance
• Whether contrast is required
• Insurance or MediSave administrative requirements
• The patient’s availability

A one-working-day appointment cannot be guaranteed in every case.

Frequently asked questions

Is a face MRI the same as a facial nerve MRI?

Not necessarily. A face MRI assesses selected facial soft tissues, while a facial nerve MRI uses focused coverage and specialised sequences to assess the nerve and relevant surrounding structures.

Does facial nerve MRI include the brain?

It may include selected brainstem and internal auditory canal regions, but it is not necessarily the same as a complete routine brain MRI. The prescribed coverage should be confirmed.

Does every case of facial weakness require MRI?

No. Typical Bell’s palsy can often be diagnosed clinically. MRI may be considered when symptoms are atypical, progressive, recurrent, associated with other neurological features or not recovering as expected.

Can MRI diagnose Bell’s palsy?

MRI may show facial nerve enhancement in some cases, but Bell’s palsy is generally a clinical diagnosis. MRI is more often used when another cause needs to be investigated.

Can facial nerve MRI detect a tumour?

MRI may identify certain masses affecting the facial nerve pathway or surrounding structures. Further assessment may still be required.

Can it investigate facial numbness?

Facial numbness is generally associated with sensory nerves such as the trigeminal nerve rather than the facial nerve. A different cranial-nerve or brain MRI protocol may be required.

Is the scan performed on a 1.5 Tesla or 3 Tesla machine?

Both 1.5 Tesla and 3 Tesla MRI machines are available. The most appropriate scanner depends on the clinical question, required protocol and appointment availability.

Is a 3 Tesla facial nerve MRI always better?

No. A 3 Tesla MRI may offer advantages for selected small-structure imaging, but a properly performed 1.5 Tesla MRI can provide appropriate diagnostic images for many facial nerve conditions.

Is a wide-bore MRI available for claustrophobic patients?

Yes. Wide-bore MRI machines are available, subject to clinical suitability and appointment availability.

Does face/facial nerve MRI use radiation?

No. MRI does not use ionising radiation.

Is contrast always required?

No, but contrast is commonly considered for facial nerve inflammation, masses, infection and certain cranial-nerve abnormalities. The final protocol depends on the clinical question.

How much does a face/facial nerve MRI cost?

A face or facial nerve MRI available through The Pain Relief Clinic costs S$1,030.

The price includes:

• The prescribed MRI scan
• Images from the examination
• A radiologist’s report

Both 1.5 Tesla and 3 Tesla MRI machines are available depending on the clinical requirements. Wide-bore MRI is also available for selected claustrophobic patients, subject to suitability and appointment availability.

Additional charges may apply if contrast, specialised cranial-nerve sequences or broader anatomical coverage is medically required.

Can I use up to S$600 of MediSave?

Up to S$600 per patient per year may be withdrawn for eligible outpatient scans from 1 January 2026. Eligibility depends on prevailing rules, the participating medical institution, the remaining annual limit and the circumstances of the claim.

Will insurance cover the MRI?

It depends on the patient’s policy and clinical circumstances. Medical necessity, pre-authorisation, panel restrictions, deductibles or co-payments may apply.

Will I receive the MRI images and report?

Yes. The S$1,030 price includes the images from the examination and a radiologist’s report.

Can the MRI be arranged within one working day?

The Pain Relief Clinic can often help arrange a medically indicated face or facial nerve MRI within one working day, subject to MRI safety clearance, imaging-centre availability and availability of the appropriate scanner and protocol.

Arrange a face or facial nerve MRI

If persistent facial weakness, unexplained facial symptoms or a facial soft-tissue abnormality requires further investigation, The Pain Relief Clinic can assess whether MRI may be appropriate.

When medically indicated, the clinic can help arrange an affordably priced face or facial nerve MRI, often within one working day.

Face/facial nerve MRI: S$1,030

The price includes:

• The prescribed face or facial nerve MRI scan
• Images from the examination
• A radiologist’s report

Depending on clinical requirements and availability, the scan may be arranged using:

• A 1.5 Tesla MRI machine
• A 3 Tesla MRI machine
• A wide-bore MRI machine for patients concerned about claustrophobia

Important medical information

This page provides general educational and pricing information. It does not replace an individual medical assessment.

Sudden facial weakness may be a sign of stroke. Call 995 immediately if facial drooping occurs with arm or leg weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, severe headache, loss of balance or other sudden neurological symptoms.

The most appropriate scan area, scanner, field strength, use of contrast and protocol depend on the clinical question and individual circumstances.

Prices, availability, scanner type, scan coverage, MediSave eligibility and insurance coverage should be confirmed before proceeding.