MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and CT(Computed Tomography) scans are both imaging methods that assist physicians in diagnosing the problem in the body. MRI is a medical imaging method of creating detailed pictures of the tissues and organs, while, CT Scan is a medical imaging procedure that utilizes the x-rays of the bones and blood vessels.
CT Scans are often employed to comprehend disorders like internal bleeding, infection,fractures, tumors, and diseases of organs. Where MRI was employed to diagnose the issues and track impairing the brain, spinal cord, joints, heart and other soft tissues.
Top Differences Between MRI & CT Scan
| Features | MRI | CT Scan |
| Technology | Uses magnetic waves and radio waves. | Uses x-rays in a series. |
| Good For- | Best for soft tissues, brain, spinal cord, joints. | Bones, Blood vessels, and injuries |
| Speed | Takes 30-60 minutes | Takes 5-10 minutes |
| Radiation Exposure | No Ionizing Radiation | Uses Ionizing Radiations (X-Rays) |
| Suitability | Not suitable for patients with metal implants. | Suitable for most patients even with metal implants. |
Other differences between MRI & CT Scan is categorized as- MRI’s image detail is of high resolution of soft tissues while in CT Scan is better for dense structures bones and not detailed for soft tissues. MRI is more costly compared to CT Scan.
Which One Should You Choose Between MRI and CT Scan??
Depending on your condition, your doctor will suggest either an MRI or CT Scan-
- When you require a detailed review of soft tissues, MRI is a better choice.
- When you require rapid imaging of bones, internal hemorrhage or lung disease, CT Scan is a better bet.
- When radiation exposure is an issue, MRI is the safer choice.
- When speed is important in cases of trauma, CT Scans are the better choice.
- Since speed is the primary concern, the CT Scan is used for preventing extensive damage.
What Are The Benefits of MRI?
Certain types of cancer such as prostate gland cancer, cancer of the uterus, liver cancer are quite invisible or difficult to identify with CT Scan. Such as injury in soft tissues, joints, illness of inner organs like brain, heart and digestive organs.
What Are The Benefits of CT Scan?
CT Scan is faster and more efficient since it would take only 5-10 minutes, so it would be perfect for situations like head injuries, strokes,or internal bleeding. It gives clear images of bones, fractures, and injuries to joints.CT Scan would be useful for imaging lungs and chests and best suited for diagnosing lung disorders, pneumonia, lung cancer etc.
How Do Physicians Determine Which Imaging Is More Suitable For The Patients?
In Ganesh Diagnostic & Imaging Centre,
The doctors are aware of what to prescribe to patients, MRI or CT Scan?
Tumors are much more visible on MRI, If any doctor is doubtful of any imaging report, the doctor advises the better one either CT Scan or MRI.
Types of CT Scan-
- Head and Brain CT Scans- Including Orbit CT Scan like- scans the eyes, eye sockets, and Brain CT Scans- strokes, tumours, bleeding, and brain injuries it also checks the sinus infections, nasal polyps and obstructions.
- Chest CT Scan- Lungs detailed image, including lung cancer and pneumonia.
- Bones Scan- Details about fractured bones and soft tissues.
- Cardiac CT Scan- To identify heart diseases, including disorder of aorta and arteries.
- Kidney CT Scan- To diagnose kidney stones, tumors and infections.
- Angiogram CT Scan- X-rays are used to form an image of the body’s cross-section.
Types of MRI Scan Types-
- Brain MRI- To diagnose headaches, weakness and blurred vision.
- Joint and Bone MRI- Examines bones, joints, tendons and ligaments.
- Abdominal MRI- To diagnose certain organs or tissues like- liver, adrenal gland and pancreas.
- Other MRI Scans- Cervical MRI, Chest MRI, Heart MRI, Lumbar MRI, Pelvic MRI, Breast MRI
Conclusion
On a serious doctor’s advice, MRI or CT Scan be employed for imaging and get an idea about the infection or disease. High-quality images of organs and tissues are examined through MRI and CT Scan is employed to comprehend situations like internal bleeding, infection,fractures, tumors, and organ diseases. In a rush scenario like internal bleeding and head injury CT Scan is a better choice as it does not take more than 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is MRI scan safe?
Yes, MRI scan is a procedure that is safe and non-invasive, which means we do not conduct any invasive or surgical method to detect any abnormalities in your brain or other body parts.
Q. What is the Full form of CT scan?
CT scan is the short form of Computed Tomography scan.
Q. Is CT scan safe?
Yes, Even-though CT scans are safe but it involves some ionizing radiation which maybe harm for some so it is a good idea to ask your doctor or the radiologists before you have a CT scan.
Q. Is a CT scan loud?
Not at all, CT scan does not act loud, just a little or tiny amount of noise and is not loud or uncomfortable.
Q. What is a CT scan test for?
CT scan is used to detect tumors, fractures, infections, and internal injuries.
Q. Are imaging centers cheaper than hospitals?
Yes, imaging centres don’t involve room and other charges so it can be cheaper than private hospitals. To find the cheapest imaging centres near you contact carebox.
