What is the Difference between CT Scan & MRI?

Have you ever given a thought to how does a CT scan differ from an MRI when both the procedures involve a detailed diagnose of the body? Or is there even a difference between MRI and CT scan? Are they the same?

Let’s try to find out.

Difference Between MRI And CT Scan Machines

A CT scanner passes X-ray beams through the patient’s body as it moves through an arch, clicking various pictures through every angle.

A CT scan can diagnose different levels of density and tissues inside a solid organ, and can also provide detailed information about the body, which includes the head, brain, eyes, inner ear, sinuses, chest, neck, shoulders, spine, pelvis, hips, reproductive systems, bladder and gastrointestinal tract.

An advanced CT scan focuses more on patient comfort, shorter scanning times and higher resolution images.

MRI scans generally depend on powerful magnetic fields and radio frequency pulses for producing detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and other internal body structures. An MRI image is capable of producing clearer pictures of normal and abnormal tissues.

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MRI vs. CT Scan

A CT scan is better than an MRI because:

#. They produce better images of tissues like bones

#. They produce excellently detailed diagnosis of osteoarthritis and fractures

#. They are quicker and usually takes 5-10 minutes

#. The scanner is less sensitive to the patient’s movements

#. They are less expensive

MRI’S are better than CT scans because:

#. They can diagnose abnormalities in ruptured discs

#. The procedure is longer, and therefore the diagnose produced is more detailed and accurate

#. Doctors recommend an MRI scan if the problem concerns the brain, spine, neck, breast, abdomen, and muscles.

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CT Scan vs. MRI For Abdomen

CT scans and MRI scans are used for scanning similar areas of the body. The scan is usually performed is to diagnose internal injuries and pains. The procedure sounds the same, but the technology is different.

Although both CT and MRI scans capture detailed images of the interior of the body, the technology and the details captured, are varied.

In case of CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography) is used for generating X-rays of bones, soft tissues and blood vessels in cross sections from different angles.

A CT scan is prescribed to diagnose:

#. Trauma.

#. Chest Pains

#. Fractures or broken bones.

#. Changes in soft tissues

#.  Pain from unknown origin

#.  Improper functioning of heart, kidneys or liver

In case of an MRI Scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) magnets are used to capture detailed images of soft tissues in the body.

An MRI diagnose is prescribed to diagnose for:

#.  Tumors and cysts

#. Disease of the liver, bile ducts, gallbladder, and pancreas

#.  Severe heart problems

#.  Pelvic pain in women

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CT Scan vs. MRI For Back Pain

MRI scans are better for finding images of tissues containing water. An MRI is better in diagnosing malformation concerning the spinal cord, bulging discs, a small disc herniation, pinched nerves and other soft tissue problems.

 MRIs are also recommended in cases of pregnant women who cannot opt for X- rays. The procedure of MRI is also beneficial in treating chronic neck or back pain.

CT Scan vs. MRI Cost

A CT Scan cost ranges between $1,200- $3,200 which is almost half the cost of an MRI.

An MRI cost ranges from $1,200 to $4,000 which is much more expensive than any other examining methods.

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Here’s all you need to know about MRI’S and CT scans. If you have any related queries, let us know in the comment section below.

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