This thesis presents the selection and optimization of a compact on-body wideband microwave antenna for brain screening, adaptable to sensing and imaging tasks exploited for diagnosis and monitoring. Specifically, the proposal antenna is projected to be integrated with the stroke monitoring system developed by the Wavison Research Group at Politecnico di Torino, extending its physical and electromagnetic performance requirements. Building on the requirement definitions, the first part of the work conducts a scoping review of state-of-the-art microwave bio-imaging antennas, resulting in the selection of five candidates — circular patch antenna with parasitic element, double substrate bowtie antenna, double ridge filled horn waveguide antenna, edge feed planar log periodic antenna and central feed planar log periodic antenna—which are studied in depth via full-wave simulations.