Brain Imaging and Neuroimaging Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Imaging Type (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), Computed Tomography (CT), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Electroencephalography (EEG), Magnetoencephalography (MEG), Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS); By End User (Hospitals & Clinics, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, Others), By Region and Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 12.64 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	6.46%
Fastest Growing Segment	Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 18.40 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Brain Imaging and Neuroimaging Market will grow from USD 12.64 Billion in 2025 to USD 18.40 Billion by 2031 at a 6.46% CAGR. Brain imaging and neuroimaging products encompass a range of non-invasive diagnostic technologies, such as magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography, utilized to visualize the structural and functional integrity of the central nervous system. The market is primarily driven by the escalating prevalence of neurological disorders and an aging global population that necessitates early and accurate disease detection. According to the World Health Organization, in 2024, neurological conditions affected over one in three individuals globally, highlighting the critical need for specialized diagnostic interventions.

Despite these favorable growth factors, the market faces a substantial obstacle regarding the high acquisition and installation costs of imaging systems. This financial burden is often compounded by limited reimbursement policies and a shortage of skilled radiologists in emerging economies, which collectively restrict the widespread adoption of these diagnostic tools.

Key Market Drivers

The rising prevalence of neurological and neurodegenerative disorders acts as a primary catalyst for the Global Brain Imaging and Neuroimaging Market. As the global population ages, the incidence of central nervous system conditions is escalating, creating demand for advanced diagnostic modalities to facilitate early intervention. According to the American Cancer Society, January 2025, in 'Key Statistics for Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors', approximately 24,820 malignant brain or spinal cord tumors were estimated to be diagnosed in the United States in 2025. This persistent disease burden necessitates the widespread deployment of high-resolution imaging systems like MRI and CT to visualize structural integrity and guide treatment strategies, thereby driving sustained market adoption.

Concurrently, rapid technological advancements and the integration of artificial intelligence into diagnostic workflows significantly propel market expansion. The development of AI-enabled software has revolutionized neuroimaging by enhancing image reconstruction speed, improving diagnostic accuracy, and enabling automated anomaly detection. According to AuntMinnie, July 2025, the FDA publicly listed 211 AI-enabled medical devices that received regulatory clearances between September 2024 and July 2025, with radiology software comprising 81% of these updates. These innovations are further supported by substantial financial backing for research and development. According to The Transmitter, in November 2025, National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding for neuroscience-related projects reached $10.5 billion in 2024, fostering an environment conducive to continuous innovation in brain imaging technologies.

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Key Market Challenges

The high acquisition and installation costs of imaging systems constitute a formidable barrier to the expansion of the Global Brain Imaging and Neuroimaging Market. Advanced diagnostic modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography require substantial capital expenditure that extends beyond the initial purchase price to include expensive infrastructure modifications and specialized maintenance. This financial magnitude restricts market penetration particularly in smaller healthcare facilities and developing regions where budgetary constraints are acute. As a result, many institutions prolong the lifecycle of obsolete equipment rather than investing in modern neuroimaging technologies.

This economic pressure is intensified by the deteriorating financial stability of healthcare providers which directly hampers new equipment procurement. According to the American Hospital Association, in 2024, the number of days of cash on hand for hospitals and health systems had declined by 28.3% since the beginning of 2022, which severely limited their ability to invest in new medical technology and infrastructure. This reduction in liquidity compels hospitals to deprioritize high-cost imaging investments, thereby directly decelerating the revenue growth and adoption rates within the global neuroimaging sector.

Key Market Trends

The Adoption of Portable and Point-of-Care MRI Systems is transforming the market by decentralizing neuroimaging from traditional radiology suites to critical care units and remote settings. This shift addresses the need for immediate stroke diagnosis and brain monitoring in patients who cannot be safely transported to high-field magnets, effectively overcoming infrastructure barriers such as the need for radiofrequency shielding. According to Hyperfine, Inc., March 2025, in the 'Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results', the company sold 48 commercial Swoop portable MRI systems in 2024, reflecting a 17% revenue increase driven by expanding hospital adoption. These low-field, wheeled systems eliminate the requirement for specialized facilities, thereby democratizing access to neuroimaging and facilitating faster clinical decision-making directly at the patient's bedside.

The Emergence of Helium-Free and Liquid-Free MRI Technology is gaining traction as healthcare providers seek to mitigate operational risks associated with global helium scarcity and complex quench pipe infrastructure. This trend is characterized by the deployment of sealed magnet technologies that require negligible amounts of coolant, significantly reducing lifecycle costs and siting complexities compared to conventional wet magnets. According to Royal Philips, November 2025, in the press release 'Royal Philips Unveils BlueSeal Horizon', the company has installed more than 2,000 of its 1.5T BlueSeal helium-free MRI systems worldwide, collectively saving over 6 million liters of liquid helium to date. This technological evolution ensures continuous uptime during supply disruptions and supports sustainability goals, positioning helium-free magnets as a resilient standard for future brain imaging installations.

Segmental Insights

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) represents the fastest-growing segment within the Global Brain Imaging and Neuroimaging Market due to its distinct ability to map neural activity non-invasively. By detecting hemodynamic changes associated with blood oxygenation, fMRI provides critical functional data that standard structural imaging cannot offer. This precision is increasingly vital for the early diagnosis and treatment monitoring of prevalent neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Furthermore, the segment is expanding due to its extensive application in cognitive neuroscience research and pre-surgical planning, where accurate brain mapping is essential for preserving vital functions.

Regional Insights

North America holds the leading share of the Global Brain Imaging and Neuroimaging Market, driven by the high occurrence of neurological disorders and extensive healthcare spending. The United States contributes significantly to this dominance through the concentration of major manufacturers and continuous research activities. Market expansion is further aided by favorable coverage policies from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which improve affordability for patients. These factors, combined with the established adoption of diagnostic technologies, secure the region's status as the principal market for neuroimaging solutions.

Recent Developments

• In November 2024, Royal Philips announced a strategic collaboration with icometrix to integrate AI-driven neuroimaging analytics into its magnetic resonance imaging portfolio. This partnership involves deploying icometrix’s FDA-cleared icobrain software on Philips’ picture archiving and communication systems and AI platforms. The initiative focuses on automating the analysis of brain MRI scans to support the diagnosis and monitoring of neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease. By providing quantitative data and standardized reports directly within the imaging workflow, the collaboration aims to enhance diagnostic precision and streamline clinical operations for neurologists and radiologists globally.
• In September 2024, Cortechs.ai received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. FDA for its NeuroQuant 5.0 software, marking a significant advancement in the field of MRI-based neuroimaging. This AI-powered tool features enhanced segmentation and quantification capabilities specifically designed for detecting amyloid-related imaging abnormalities in patients undergoing treatment for Alzheimer's disease. The updated software also integrates susceptibility-sensitive MRI sequences to improve the detection of smaller brain lesions and microhemorrhages. This development is intended to assist radiologists and neurologists in making more accurate and timely assessments for patients suffering from neurodegenerative conditions and traumatic brain injuries.
• In May 2024, GE HealthCare unveiled the SIGNA MAGNUS, a head-only 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging scanner developed specifically to advance neuroscience research. Introduced at the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine Annual Meeting, this system was designed to address the performance limitations of conventional whole-body scanners by utilizing HyperG gradient technology for superior detail in brain microstructure and microvasculature imaging. The technology aims to support the study of complex psychiatric and neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease. The company highlighted that this dedicated neuroimaging platform enables researchers to perform measurements and investigate brain functions that were previously difficult to assess with standard MRI configurations.
• In May 2024, United Imaging Healthcare introduced the uMR Jupiter 5T, a whole-body ultra-high-field MRI system, during the ISMRM Annual Meeting. While ultra-high-field MRI technology was traditionally restricted to brain and musculoskeletal imaging, this new system received FDA clearance for broader anatomical applications. The technology provides significantly higher resolution and signal-to-noise ratios compared to standard 3T systems, empowering radiologists to uncover minute clinical details in neurological and other anatomical regions. This launch demonstrated the company's success in overcoming key technical hurdles such as image uniformity and radio frequency safety, making high-field neuroimaging more accessible for comprehensive clinical use.

Key Market Players

• Varian Medical Systems
• General Electric Company
• Siemens AG
• Philips Healthcare
• Toshiba Medical Systems
• Hitachi Medical Systems
• Esaote SpA
• Sanrad Medical Systems Pvt. Ltd

By Imaging Type	By End User	By Region
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) Computed Tomography (CT) Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Electroencephalography (EEG) Magnetoencephalography (MEG) Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS);	Hospitals & Clinics Ambulatory Surgical Centers Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Brain Imaging and Neuroimaging Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Brain Imaging and Neuroimaging Market, By Imaging Type:

• Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
• Computed Tomography (CT)
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
• Electroencephalography (EEG)
• Magnetoencephalography (MEG)
• Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS);

• Brain Imaging and Neuroimaging Market, By End User:

• Hospitals & Clinics
• Ambulatory Surgical Centers
• Others

• Brain Imaging and Neuroimaging Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE