MR Imaging in Neurosurgery Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Conventional MRI Devices, Robotic‑Assisted MRI Devices, Intraoperative MRI Systems, Functional MRI, Other Types), By Application (Brain Tumor, Epilepsy, Spinal Neurosurgery, Vascular Neurosurgery, Other Applications), By End User (Hospitals, Diagnostic Imaging Centers, Other End Users) and By Region (North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2026-2034

MR Imaging in Neurosurgery Market Trends

Growing deployment of intraoperative MRI in neurosurgery

Neurosurgical centers are using intraoperative MRI scans for the generation of images during surgeries. This helps brain surgeons assess the degree of tumor removal, which, in turn, helps them make informed decisions. This increase in the overall accuracy of surgeries, reduced re-operation rates, and improved patient outcomes has encouraged the integration of intraoperative MRI systems in neurosurgical hospitals around the globe. Some examples of intraoperative MRI used in neurosurgery are I-Genius and IMRIS’s intraoperative system.

Integration of artificial intelligence for workflow optimization in neurosurgical MRI

Integrating artificial intelligence tools to enhance the image acquisition process for better efficacy is a key trend for market growth. Artificial intelligence-based software solutions are being implemented to facilitate the process of image segmentation and tumor contouring, resulting in a reduction of scanning time. For example, the use of MAGNETOM Vida MRI systems with Siemens Healthineers’ Brain Tumor AI allows faster tumor segmentation and improved neurosurgical planning accuracy. Therefore, MR Imaging services are being implemented in leading hospitals to facilitate a rapid image acquisition process.

MR Imaging in Neurosurgery Market Drivers

Rising prevalence of neurological disorders and demand for precision surgery drive market growth

The rising prevalence of neurological conditions and disorders, such as brain tumors, epilepsy, spinal deformities, and cerebrovascular diseases, propels market growth. According to the World Federation of Neurology, the number of people living with brain disease is expected to double by 2050. This increases the need for very accurate diagnostic and imaging procedures to ensure precise surgical intervention. Thus, the need to achieve improved neurosurgical outcomes is driving the use of MR Imaging solutions, which, in turn, boosts market growth.

Rising healthcare investment in advanced neurosurgical imaging infrastructure supports market growth

Increasing investments in healthcare to strengthen neurosurgical infrastructure is one of the key factors driving the growth of the MR Imaging in neurosurgery market. In developing and developed regions, governments and private healthcare providers are investing in equipping tertiary hospitals with novel MRI systems to perform complex neurological care. For example, India’s first Ultra-Fast AI-Powered Excel 3T MRI Scanner is designed with enhanced surgical precision, minimizing complications and increasing access to sophisticated neurosurgery treatments.

Market Restraints

High capital cost of MRI systems restrains market growth

The MR Imaging in neurosurgery industry faces significant restraints due to the capital costs of MR Imaging equipment. Advanced neurosurgery-based MR Imaging technologies, especially high-field and intraoperative MR Imaging technologies, involve a very high capital cost. This limits its adoption in underdeveloped countries with low healthcare budgets.

Market Opportunities

Rising adoption of minimally invasive and image guided neurosurgical procedures creates market opportunity

The shift toward minimally invasive and image-guided neurosurgery represents a significant opportunity for the market. This is because surgeons now highly depend on MRI to accurately plan and guide procedures, which minimizes tissue damage and reduces recovery time. This shift is encouraging hospitals to invest in advanced MRI-compatible navigation and imaging solutions, creating opportunities for manufacturers.

Technological Landscape

• Symphony Robotics and Case Western Reserve University developed an MRI guided magnetically steerable micro‑robotic arm that can navigate the brain through openings as small as 4 mm, over ten times smaller than traditional craniotomies. This platform triples the ablative volume of laser interstitial thermal therapy.
• Cirrus Resting‑State fMRI developed by Washington University and Sora Neuroscience, maps critical brain functions, including speech, motor, and vision. This tool improves surgical precision and reduces the risk of postoperative deficits, providing 87% reliable functional mapping.
• Brainlab Curve and Kick Navigation developed by Brainlab is a suite for surgical planning and real-time navigation. Its high-precision image fusion, combining MRI, CT, and fMRI, is utilized for tumor resections, skull-based surgery, and spine surgery.

Regional Analysis

The MR Imaging in neurosurgery market in North America had a market share of 39.65% in 2025. The growth is supported by high incidence rates of neurological disorders such as stroke, brain tumors, and spinal conditions that ensure a steady market need for MRI diagnostics and surgical imaging. The availability of robust healthcare infrastructure and the high level of reimbursements received in the US ensure the widespread use of high-field MRI and intraoperative MRI in the healthcare field.

The US accounted for the largest MR Imaging in neurosurgery market share in North America in 2025 due to high clinical adoption of ultra-high-field 7 Tesla (7T) MRI devices, allowing for more accurate neurosurgery and diagnosis in healthcare facilities. For instance, Mayo Clinic has conducted clinical 7T MRI scans to treat epilepsy as well as vascular problems, allowing doctors to identify problematic areas undetected by 3T imaging. The availability of neuroscience research organizations and academic medical centers with advanced MRI infrastructure is expected to propel the MR Imaging in neurosurgery market growth.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific is emerging as the fastest-growing region with a CAGR of 8.53% from 2026 to 2034. This growth is augmented by strong investments and training partnerships of government agencies in healthcare in countries like Singapore for enhancing infrastructural capacity and the availability of neurosurgical experts. The rising aging trends in Japan and China are also expected to increase the incidence of neurological conditions and, thereby, increase demand for neurosurgical care.

Japan leads the Asia Pacific MR Imaging in neurosurgery market with an extensive universal healthcare system in place that subsidizes MRI scans and facilitates easy access to neurosurgery imaging technology. The high incidence rate of dementia in the country increases the demand for neuroimaging services. The local industry, through companies such as Canon Medical Systems and Fujifilm Healthcare, aids the early adoption of state-of-the-art MRI technology.

Europe

The European market is experiencing strong growth due to strong clinical research and academic collaboration in neurology, especially in Germany and the UK, which allows rapid adaptation of MRI-guided neurosurgical techniques. In addition, the EU-funded programs, such as the Cancer Imaging Initiative, foster innovation within medical technologies, further supporting the high utilization of MRI.

Germany dominated the European market due to the high density of MRI scanners and accessibility of healthcare facilities. The country also benefits from advanced clinical research infrastructure, including institutions like the Erwin L. Hahn Institute that drive MRI innovation and neuroscience collaborations.

Latin America

Latin America’s market is growing steadily due to the ongoing development of healthcare infrastructure, where governments are investing in modern hospitals and diagnostic imaging facilities. The increasing prevalence of stroke, spinal diseases, and brain tumors is also creating a need for MRI-based diagnosis and neurosurgical treatment planning.

Brazil dominated the Latin America MR Imaging in neurosurgery market because its tertiary healthcare facilities are becoming increasingly equipped with advanced MRI machines. Private health insurance coverage allows access to advanced imaging technologies in urban centers in Brazil.

Middle East and Africa

The Middle East and Africa MR Imaging in neurosurgery market growth is encouraged by the rapid progress in developing specialized neurocenters, the implementation of tele-neurology offerings to facilitate connectivity of hospitals with MR equipment, and the growing government funding for infrastructure development.

The South African market is supported by government-led initiatives under the National Health Insurance (NHI) program, which aims to expand equitable access to advanced diagnostic imaging across public hospitals. Partnerships with international medical technology firms for training and infrastructure upgrades are enhancing MRI adoption in neurosurgical care nationwide.

Type Insights

The conventional MRI devices segment accounted for the largest MR Imaging in neurosurgery market share of 33.64% in 2025. These systems are widely available in hospitals and are proven reliable for preoperative neurosurgical imaging. Easy to install and high compatibility with clinical workflows are some of the advantages that make them a preferred choice for routine diagnosis.

The robotic-assisted MRI devices segment is expected to register a CAGR of 7.40% during the forecast period. Growth is fueled by increasing use of automated positioning and robotic guidance technology, which reduces surgeon fatigue and variability. The use of advanced neuronavigational systems improves intraoperative decision-making processes.

Application Insights

Brain tumor dominated the application segment in 2025 due to the growing use of MRI in planning minimally invasive tumor biopsy and laser ablation techniques. MRI is highly efficient in targeting tumor locations precisely and visualizing them in real time, hence minimizing risks involved in the process and ensuring a safe approach to inoperable brain tumors.

The spinal neurosurgery segment is projected to register a CAGR of 7.12% during the forecast timeframe due to the increasing prevalence of degenerative spinal pathologies, such as spinal stenosis and disc herniation. The rise in volume of surgical procedures in the elderly population is fueling the need for MRI to guide diagnosis in these patients.

End User Insights

The hospitals segment accounted for the 68.20% market share in 2025 due to the availability of advanced MRI technology and infrastructure within hospitals. Hospitals handle a large volume of neurosurgical cases, which support consistent demand for MR Imaging for diagnosis and surgical planning.

The diagnostic imaging centers segment is projected to grow at a considerable CAGR during the forecast period. This growth is due to increasing outpatient demand for neuroimaging, as well as easier access from hospital referrals for pre- and post-surgical MRI procedures. Such imaging centers provide quicker imaging options, making them a more desirable choice for routine neurosurgical imaging.