Global Brain Imaging Neuroimaging Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecasts 2031

Key Findings

• The brain imaging neuroimaging market encompasses diagnostic and research modalities such as MRI, CT, PET, SPECT, MEG, EEG, and emerging hybrid and functional imaging platforms used to visualize brain structure and function.

• Rising prevalence of neurological and psychiatric disorders including stroke, dementia, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and depression is driving sustained demand for advanced neuroimaging diagnostics.

• Technological advances in high-field and ultra-high-field MRI are improving spatial resolution, enabling finer visualization of microstructural brain changes and subtle lesions.

• Functional and molecular imaging techniques such as fMRI and PET are increasingly used to map brain activity, neurotransmitter systems, and amyloid/tau deposition in neurodegenerative disease.

• AI-based image analysis and quantification tools are enhancing diagnostic accuracy, workflow efficiency, and longitudinal tracking of brain changes in clinical and research settings.

• Growth in clinical trials for CNS drugs and neuromodulation therapies is boosting demand for neuroimaging as a biomarker and outcome measure.

• Expanding use of brain imaging in pre-surgical planning and intraoperative guidance supports better outcomes in neurosurgery, epilepsy surgery, and deep brain stimulation.

• Rising investment in brain research initiatives and national brain projects across multiple countries is accelerating adoption of advanced neuroimaging platforms in academic and research centers.

• Portable and point-of-care neuroimaging solutions such as compact MRI and advanced EEG systems are emerging for emergency, ICU, and resource-constrained settings.

• High equipment cost, data complexity, and access disparities between regions remain key constraints, but service models, teleradiology, and cloud-based analytics are helping to address some of these gaps.

Brain Imaging Neuroimaging Market Size and Forecast

The global brain imaging neuroimaging market was valued at USD 7.4 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach approximately USD 14.9 billion by 2031, reflecting a CAGR of around 10.2% over the forecast period. Growth is fueled by the rising burden of neurological diseases, greater clinical reliance on imaging for diagnosis and monitoring, and expanding research use in neuroscience and drug development. High-end MRI and hybrid PET-CT/PET-MR systems continue to account for a large share of capital equipment spending, while the installed base generates recurring revenue from software, service, and contrast or radiotracer usage. Emerging markets are gradually increasing investment in neuroimaging capabilities, while mature markets focus on system upgrades, workflow optimization, and advanced analytics.

Market Overview

Brain imaging and neuroimaging technologies enable non-invasive visualization and measurement of structural, functional, and molecular aspects of the central nervous system. Core modalities include MRI for high-resolution structural and functional imaging, CT for acute neuroemergency assessment, PET and SPECT for molecular and metabolic insights, and EEG/MEG for high-temporal-resolution neurophysiology. These tools are used across the patient journey—from early diagnosis and differential workup to treatment planning, surgical guidance, therapy monitoring, and long-term follow-up. Healthcare providers, academic centers, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, and contract research organizations all rely on neuroimaging for clinical decision-making and research. The market is shaped by ongoing hardware innovation, software and AI development, regulatory frameworks, reimbursement policies, and the availability of skilled radiologists and technologists. While large tertiary hospitals and specialized centers lead in adoption of cutting-edge systems, community and regional facilities are gradually expanding access to core neuroimaging services.

Future Outlook

Over the coming years, the brain imaging neuroimaging market is expected to evolve toward more integrated, quantitative, and patient-centric solutions. Advanced acquisition protocols and AI-driven reconstruction will shorten scan times while improving image quality, making high-end imaging more practical in routine workflows. Quantitative imaging biomarkers for neurodegeneration, demyelination, neuroinflammation, and functional connectivity will increasingly inform personalized treatment decisions and clinical trial endpoints. Hybrid and multimodal imaging strategies that combine structural, functional, and molecular data will become more common, supported by unified software platforms and secure data integration across institutions. In parallel, portable and lower-cost systems will gradually extend neuroimaging into emergency, primary care, and underserved settings, although high-end systems will remain concentrated in specialized centers. By 2031, neuroimaging will be even more tightly embedded in neurology, psychiatry, neurosurgery, and neuroscience research, with growing emphasis on automation, standardization, and real-world data integration.

Brain Imaging Neuroimaging Market Trends

• Shift Toward Quantitative And Biomarker-Driven Imaging
  There is a clear shift from purely qualitative image interpretation toward quantitative neuroimaging metrics that can be tracked over time. Radiologists and neurologists increasingly rely on volumetric brain measurements, lesion load quantification, perfusion indices, and standardized uptake values in PET to support more objective decision-making. This trend is particularly strong in multiple sclerosis, dementia, and oncology, where small changes in lesion volume or brain atrophy can have important clinical implications. Quantitative imaging also facilitates more consistent reporting across sites and readers. Pharmaceutical companies use these biomarkers in clinical trials to detect treatment effects with smaller sample sizes and shorter durations. As software tools for automated segmentation and quantification improve, quantitative imaging is expected to become embedded in routine clinical workflows across many sites.

• Growing Role Of AI And Advanced Image Analytics
  Artificial intelligence and machine learning are playing an increasing role in brain imaging, from automated detection of acute stroke to pattern recognition in dementia and epilepsy. AI tools assist in triaging urgent cases, highlighting suspected hemorrhages, large vessel occlusions, or mass lesions to speed up response times. Deep learning models are also used to segment brain structures, detect microbleeds, or classify patterns of atrophy associated with specific neurodegenerative diseases. In research, advanced analytics help to uncover subtle connectivity and network changes that are not apparent to human observers. Integration of AI into scanners and PACS systems is improving workflow efficiency, reducing reading times, and supporting less experienced radiologists in complex cases. Over time, regulatory-cleared AI applications for neuroimaging are expected to proliferate, further enhancing the value derived from existing equipment.

• Expansion Of Hybrid And Multimodal Imaging Platforms
  Hybrid imaging systems such as PET-CT and PET-MR are gaining prominence in neuro-oncology, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative disease evaluation. These platforms combine anatomical precision with molecular and metabolic information, enabling more accurate lesion characterization and treatment planning. Multimodal workflows also extend beyond hardware, as datasets from MRI, PET, CT, and EEG are increasingly co-registered and analyzed together in software. Researchers use multimodal data to better understand disease mechanisms, while clinicians leverage it to refine diagnoses in challenging cases. The trend is encouraging vendors to develop integrated workstations and software suites that can handle complex, multi-source datasets with unified visualization and reporting. As multimodal approaches demonstrate incremental clinical value and reimbursement pathways develop, adoption of these platforms is anticipated to continue rising across leading centers.

• Focus On Faster, More Patient-Friendly Scanning Protocols
  Patient comfort and throughput are becoming key priorities for neuroimaging departments as volumes rise and patient populations age. Vendors are developing faster MRI sequences, motion correction algorithms, and accelerated reconstruction techniques that shorten scan times without compromising diagnostic quality. Reducing the need for sedation in pediatric and claustrophobic patients is an important driver for these innovations. CT scanners are also being optimized for lower dose neuroimaging protocols that maintain image quality, particularly in stroke and trauma cases. In parallel, ergonomic gantry designs, quieter scanners, and better communication systems are improving the overall patient experience. These improvements enable facilities to scan more patients per day while reducing no-show rates and incomplete studies. Over time, shorter and more tolerable neuroimaging exams will support broader access and better adherence to recommended follow-up schedules.

• Increasing Use Of Neuroimaging In CNS Drug Development And Trials
  Neuroimaging is becoming a central tool in the development of therapies for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, depression, and other CNS conditions. Pharmaceutical companies employ MRI and PET to stratify patients, confirm target engagement, and monitor disease progression or treatment response. Imaging biomarkers, such as amyloid and tau PET or volumetric MRI measures, enable more sensitive and earlier detection of therapeutic effects compared with clinical scales alone. This use of imaging can reduce trial size and duration, potentially accelerating time to market for successful compounds. CROs and imaging core labs are building specialized capabilities to standardize acquisition, QC, and analysis across multicenter studies. As CNS drug pipelines expand and regulatory agencies show openness to imaging-supported endpoints, the demand for high-quality neuroimaging in research settings is expected to grow significantly.

• Emergence Of Portable And Point-Of-Care Neuroimaging Solutions
  There is growing interest in portable brain imaging solutions that can be deployed in emergency departments, ICUs, ambulances, and remote locations. Compact MRI systems, head-only scanners, simplified CT units, and advanced EEG platforms are being developed to bring neuroimaging closer to the patient. These solutions aim to enable earlier detection of stroke, head trauma, or seizures when transport to a full imaging suite is delayed or impractical. While image quality and capabilities may not match high-end systems, point-of-care devices can still provide critical information for triage and initial management. Integration with telemedicine platforms allows experts to remotely review images and guide care teams in real time. Over the forecast period, improvements in hardware miniaturization and reconstruction algorithms are likely to enhance the clinical utility and adoption of portable neuroimaging devices.

Market Growth Drivers

• Rising Burden Of Neurological And Psychiatric Disorders Globally
  The increasing prevalence of stroke, dementia, epilepsy, brain tumors, traumatic brain injury, and psychiatric conditions is a primary growth driver for the brain imaging neuroimaging market. Aging populations in many regions are associated with higher incidence of Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, which require imaging for diagnosis and monitoring. Stroke continues to be a leading cause of disability and death, and timely neuroimaging is central to acute management decisions. Mental health awareness and diagnostic sophistication are also improving, leading to more frequent use of imaging to rule out structural causes of psychiatric symptoms. As healthcare systems strive to address the societal and economic impact of brain disorders, investments in diagnostics and imaging capacity become difficult to avoid. This rising demand across a wide spectrum of conditions provides a stable and expanding base for neuroimaging utilization.

• Technological Advancements In High-Resolution And Functional Imaging
  Continuous improvements in MRI hardware, gradient systems, coils, and reconstruction algorithms are enhancing spatial and temporal resolution in brain imaging. High-field and ultra-high-field MRI systems provide unprecedented detail, enabling detection of microinfarcts, subtle cortical malformations, and microstructural changes. Developments in functional MRI and diffusion imaging techniques are expanding the ability to map brain networks and white matter pathways in vivo. PET and SPECT technologies are also advancing, with new detectors and reconstruction methods improving sensitivity and image quality. These innovations broaden the range of clinical questions that neuroimaging can answer and open new research avenues in neuroscience. As clinicians and researchers recognize the added value of these advanced techniques, demand for systems capable of delivering them increases correspondingly.

• Integration Of Neuroimaging Into Standard Care Pathways And Guidelines
  Clinical guidelines for stroke, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, dementia, and brain tumors increasingly include specific recommendations for imaging modalities and timing. For example, rapid CT or MRI has become mandatory in acute stroke pathways to determine eligibility for thrombolysis or thrombectomy. In multiple sclerosis, MRI is integral to diagnosis and monitoring of disease activity and treatment response. Epilepsy surgery workup often requires high-resolution MRI and sometimes PET or SPECT to localize seizure foci. As these evidence-based protocols are adopted across healthcare systems, neuroimaging becomes embedded in routine care rather than being reserved for exceptional cases. This integration ensures ongoing, predictable utilization and supports capital investment in modern systems. Over time, expanding guideline coverage to additional conditions will further reinforce imaging’s central role in neurological care.

• Growing Investment In Neuroscience Research And Brain Initiatives
  Governments, foundations, and industry are investing heavily in brain research through large-scale initiatives and consortia. These programs aim to map brain structure and function, understand disease mechanisms, and develop new diagnostics and therapies. Neuroimaging is a core tool in these efforts, enabling non-invasive investigation of human brain organization and pathology. Research centers participating in such initiatives often require state-of-the-art imaging facilities, including high-field MRI, PET, and hybrid systems. Funding is frequently allocated for both equipment acquisition and multi-year operating costs, creating sustained demand for vendors and service providers. The data generated by these programs also drive innovation in analysis methods, software, and AI, creating a virtuous cycle of capability expansion. As brain initiatives expand geographically and thematically, they will continue to be a significant driver of advanced neuroimaging adoption.

• Expansion Of Healthcare Infrastructure In Emerging Markets
  Many emerging economies are increasing investment in hospital infrastructure, specialist centers, and diagnostic capabilities as part of broader health system strengthening. Tertiary hospitals and regional referral centers are adding MRI, CT, and sometimes PET/CT capacity to address rising demand for neurological care. As awareness of stroke, epilepsy, and dementia grows among clinicians and the public, the need for reliable brain imaging services becomes more evident. Governments may also support screening or early detection programs that rely on imaging for high-risk populations. Private healthcare providers and medical tourism hubs invest in advanced imaging to attract patients seeking high-quality neurological diagnostics. This infrastructure expansion in emerging markets adds incremental demand for both capital equipment and associated software and services in neuroimaging.

• Increasing Use Of Neuroimaging In Personalized Medicine And Precision Neurology
  The movement toward personalized medicine is gaining traction in neurology, and neuroimaging is an important enabler of this shift. Imaging can help stratify patients based on disease subtype, lesion burden, brain reserve, or molecular pathology, influencing therapeutic choices and prognostic assessments. In multiple sclerosis, imaging patterns may guide the selection of disease-modifying therapies and inform risk–benefit discussions. In dementia, amyloid and tau imaging can differentiate Alzheimer’s disease from other causes of cognitive decline, tailoring management and counseling. Precision neurosurgery relies on detailed imaging maps to plan minimally invasive approaches and avoid eloquent cortex. As payers and providers seek to improve outcomes and optimize resource use, the role of imaging in guiding individualized care is likely to expand. This trend supports demand for advanced neuroimaging capabilities and sophisticated analysis tools.

Challenges in the Market

• High Capital And Operating Costs Of Advanced Imaging Systems
  One of the most significant challenges in the brain imaging neuroimaging market is the high cost of acquiring and maintaining advanced MRI, CT, and PET systems. Capital expenditures for high-field MRI or hybrid PET-MR can be substantial, putting them out of reach for smaller hospitals and resource-limited settings. Operating costs, including service contracts, cryogens, radiotracers, and energy consumption, further strain budgets. Economic pressures and reimbursement constraints can make it difficult for institutions to justify new installations or upgrades, especially if existing scanners are still functional. This cost barrier contributes to geographic disparities in access to advanced neuroimaging, with rural and low-income regions often underserved. Vendors and healthcare systems must explore innovative financing models and more cost-efficient technologies to mitigate this challenge.

• Shortage Of Skilled Personnel And Training Requirements
  Effective use of neuroimaging technologies depends on the availability of trained radiologists, neuroradiologists, technologists, physicists, and data analysts. Many regions face shortages of these professionals, which can lead to underutilization of installed equipment and longer patient wait times. Subspecialty expertise in neuroradiology is particularly limited in some markets, affecting the accuracy and depth of image interpretation. Training in advanced modalities such as fMRI, perfusion imaging, or PET neuroimaging can be resource-intensive and time-consuming. As AI and quantitative methods become more prevalent, additional skills in data science and informatics are required. Addressing these workforce gaps demands sustained investment in education, standardized training programs, and retention strategies, which can be difficult for constrained health systems to implement.

• Data Volume, Complexity, And Interoperability Challenges
  Modern neuroimaging generates large volumes of complex data, including multi-parametric MRI sequences, dynamic PET scans, and multimodal datasets combined with clinical and genomic information. Managing, storing, and securing these data poses significant technical and financial challenges for healthcare institutions and research centers. Interoperability issues between scanners, PACS systems, analysis software, and electronic health records can hinder efficient data sharing and integrated analysis. Lack of standardized data formats and metadata can make multicenter studies and meta-analyses more difficult to conduct. As neuroimaging becomes more data-driven and quantification-focused, these challenges become more acute, especially for smaller centers with limited IT infrastructure. Overcoming them requires coordinated efforts around standards, cloud-based solutions, and robust cybersecurity measures.

• Reimbursement Uncertainty And Variability Across Regions
  Reimbursement policies for neuroimaging procedures vary widely between countries and payers, influencing utilization patterns and investment decisions. In some systems, reimbursement rates may not reflect the complexity or cost of advanced imaging techniques, discouraging their use in routine practice. Coverage for newer applications, such as amyloid PET or advanced functional imaging, may be uncertain or limited to research contexts. This variability can slow the adoption of innovative techniques and create financial risk for providers who invest in cutting-edge equipment. In value-based care models, neuroimaging must demonstrate clear impact on outcomes and cost-effectiveness to maintain favorable reimbursement. Navigating these reimbursement landscapes is a major challenge for both healthcare providers and vendors trying to introduce new technologies.

• Ethical, Privacy, And Regulatory Issues Surrounding Neurodata And AI
  The increasing use of brain imaging data for research, AI training, and clinical decision support raises important ethical and privacy concerns. Brain images can contain highly sensitive information about an individual’s health, cognition, and potentially even mental traits, requiring careful handling and consent processes. Regulations governing data protection, cross-border data transfer, and secondary use for AI development can be complex and vary between jurisdictions. Developers of AI tools for neuroimaging must comply with medical device regulations and demonstrate performance, safety, and fairness, which can be demanding and time-consuming. Concerns about algorithmic bias or opaque decision-making may limit clinician trust and patient acceptance of AI-supported diagnostics. Addressing these issues requires transparent governance frameworks, robust validation, and ongoing dialogue among stakeholders across medicine, technology, and ethics.

• Access Disparities Between High-Income And Low-Resource Settings
  Significant disparities in access to brain imaging exist between high-income urban centers and rural or low-resource regions. In many areas, patients may have limited or no access to MRI or CT scanners, forcing reliance on clinical examination alone or necessitating long travel to specialized centers. These disparities can delay diagnosis, reduce treatment options, and worsen outcomes for patients with stroke, tumors, or other urgent neurological conditions. Infrastructure limitations, such as unreliable power supply or lack of shielding facilities, further complicate installation and operation of advanced equipment. Even when systems are installed, maintenance challenges and lack of trained staff can limit sustained functionality. Bridging this access gap will require tailored technology solutions, innovative service models, and policy interventions, all of which are complex and require sustained effort.

Brain Imaging Neuroimaging Market Segmentation

By Imaging Modality

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

• Computed Tomography (CT)

• Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

• Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT)

• Electroencephalography (EEG) And Magnetoencephalography (MEG)

• Other And Emerging Modalities (e.g., Optical Imaging, Ultrasound-Based Neuroimaging)

By Application

• Stroke And Cerebrovascular Disease Diagnosis

• Neurodegenerative Disorders (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Others)

• Epilepsy And Seizure Localization

• Brain Tumors And Neuro-Oncology

• Psychiatric And Neurodevelopmental Disorders

• Neurosurgical Planning And Intraoperative Guidance

• Research And Clinical Trials

By End User

• Hospitals And Tertiary Care Centers

• Diagnostic Imaging Centers

• Academic And Research Institutes

• Pharmaceutical And Biotechnology Companies

• Contract Research Organizations (CROs)

By Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia-Pacific

• Latin America

• Middle East & Africa

Leading Key Players

• Siemens Healthineers

• GE HealthCare

• Philips Healthcare

• Canon Medical Systems Corporation

• Fujifilm Healthcare

• Hitachi Healthcare (and related imaging businesses)

• Bruker Corporation

• United Imaging Healthcare

• Esaote SpA

• Mindray Medical International and other regional imaging system suppliers

Recent Developments

• Siemens Healthineers introduced new high-field MRI platforms with advanced neuroimaging packages, integrating AI-based reconstruction and automated brain volumetry for routine clinical use.

• GE HealthCare launched upgraded PET-CT systems optimized for brain imaging, featuring enhanced sensitivity and dedicated neuro protocols to support dementia and oncology applications.

• Philips Healthcare expanded its AI-enabled neuroimaging software suite, providing automated detection of ischemic changes and quantitative brain maps for stroke and neurodegenerative diseases.

• Canon Medical Systems released workflow-focused MRI innovations, including fast brain protocols and motion correction tools aimed at pediatric and elderly neuroimaging.

• United Imaging Healthcare continued global rollout of advanced PET-MR and MRI systems, targeting academic and research centers engaged in cutting-edge neuroscience and brain disorder research.

This Market Report Will Answer the Following Questions

• What is the current size and projected growth of the global brain imaging neuroimaging market through 2031?

• How is demand distributed across MRI, CT, PET, SPECT, EEG/MEG, and emerging neuroimaging modalities?

• Which clinical indications—such as stroke, dementia, epilepsy, and brain tumors—generate the highest imaging volumes and revenue?

• How are AI, quantitative imaging, and multimodal analysis transforming clinical workflows and research applications in neuroimaging?

• What are the main barriers to wider adoption of advanced brain imaging technologies in low-resource and community settings?

• How do reimbursement policies, regulatory frameworks, and clinical guidelines influence utilization of neuroimaging worldwide?

• Which regions are investing most heavily in brain imaging infrastructure, and how do market dynamics differ between mature and emerging markets?

• Who are the leading equipment and software vendors in the neuroimaging space, and how are they positioning themselves competitively?

• In what ways is neuroimaging being integrated into CNS drug development, clinical trials, and precision neurology strategies?

• How will trends such as portable imaging, brain initiatives, and AI-driven analytics shape the future landscape of the brain imaging neuroimaging market?