Does a normal brain mri without contrast show blood vessel abnormalities or do you need another test like an mra?

Depends on question: Common misconception: MRI (or MRA) doesn't "see everything". ANY imaging test used to help confirm a diagnosis has limitations & doesn't establish Dx from "thin air". MRI can see SOME of the effects of blood vessel abnormalities (like scarring or infarction) & perhaps large abnormalities like aneurysms, but isn't the best test to determine blood flow. So it depends on clinical question being asked