What is the difference between scan and mri

MRI scans produce loud sounds, so people usually wear earplugs or headphones to dull the noise. Individuals with claustrophobia may find MRI scanners difficult to tolerate, although several types of open MRI scanner now exist to get around this problem. For both CT scans and MRI scans, a doctor may recommend using a contrast dye to make the images clearer. Some people may react badly to certain types of dye.

A doctor will decide which scan is appropriate based on a range of factors, such as:. MRI scans produce a more detailed image of soft tissue, ligaments, or organs. Problems that may be easier to see with an MRI scan include soft tissue damage, torn ligaments, and herniated disks. Doctors may use a CT scan for creating a generalized image of a body part or for getting images of organs or head fractures.

CT scans and MRI scans are two methods of imaging internal body parts. They have similar uses but produce pictures in different ways. A CT scan is generally good for larger areas, while an MRI scan produces a better overall image of the tissue under examination.

Both have risks but are relatively safe procedures. A doctor will recommend which scan is right for a person depending on a range of factors. A positron emission tomography, also known as a PET scan, produces 3-D color images of the processes within the human body. PET scans are often used…. A doctor may use a head and brain MRI scan to check for a range of injuries and abnormalities. Here, gain a detailed understanding of the procedure…. An ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the inside of the body.

It is safe to use during pregnancy and is also a…. Magnetic resonance imaging MRI scans produce detailed images of the organs and tissues in the body. X-rays may pose a small cancer risk, but their benefits far outweigh their risks, and they frequently save lives.

This article explains everything…. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. However, there are several major differences that separate the two. MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging , and this type of radiology imaging can be performed at a radiology center.

An estimated 30 million MRI scans are done in the U. Other MRI machines specifically examine the tissue in the arms, legs, hands, and feet, or at the internal organs, and are called Extremity MRI scans. The MRI identifies severe problems that can lead to serious illness or death.

It's an invaluable asset to modern medicine. However, they each have their own specialties. In recent years, people have started to worry about x-rays causing cancer.

This is because x-rays are produced by ionizing radiation, which can be harmful to humans. With an MRI, on the other hand, there is no ionizing radiation and you are protected from any kind of harmful radiation because the machines use magnets instead of x-rays. On the other hand, CT scans expose patients to low levels of radiation, which in extreme excess could lead to cancer.

However, it's important to note that one CT scan generates roughly the amount of radiation exposure one would normally receive in a span of three to five years. It's not a lot, but repetitive exposure could become dangerous. CT scans are typically complete in five minutes or less. This minimizes patient discomfort and gets them in and out in much less time.

Additionally, with CT scans patients aren't required to lie perfectly still since a slight movement won't really disrupt the imaging process. If you have good insurance, then your insurance provider might pick up some or all of the scan costs. Ultimately, there are pros and cons to each method, and they are often used in different situations.

CTs are incredibly useful for diagnosing and staging cancer, checking whether it has come back, and monitoring whether a treatment is working. These are called metastases.

Most of the time, CT is the first choice to stage cancer. We can also do special scans, such as CT cardiac scans which combined with a dye contrast injection can identify and quantify possible narrowing or blockage of the main coronary arteries.

Some cancers, such as prostate cancer, uterine cancer, and certain liver cancers, are very hard to detect on a CT scan. Also, an MRI provides much more detailed images which can be used to characterize some lesions in much greater detail. Metastases to the bone and brain also show up better on an MRI, as do sports injuries. These are based on the type of imaging as well as how the imaging is performed. Your doctor will likely provide a recommendation based on your symptoms and explain whether an MRI or CT scan is more suitable for you.

If you need a more detailed image of your soft tissue, ligaments, or organs, your doctor will commonly suggest an MRI. It is important to remember that both CT scans and MRI scans are relatively low risk and both offer important information to help your doctor properly diagnose specific conditions.

If your doctor sees something on your CT scan that they are unsure about, they may recommend an MRI for further evaluation. If you are unable to lie still or hold your breath during some scans , the doctor may suggest that you have a CT scan as an alternative. If you have a cardiac pacemaker or other medical implant contraindicated for an MRI scan, you might have to have a CT scan instead.

Rest assured that doctors will always choose your imaging scan based on the principle of whether the benefits of a test outweigh its risks. If you would like to discuss the topics in this blog, contact our friendly patient services team on or fill out our contact form here. Having worked at NHS and the private sector allowed me to be trained in different environments and gather all my expertise in most of the Radiological modalities.