DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CT SCANS AND MRI
You might have heard some time or another, CT scan and MRI and must have always wondered what is the difference between the two.
Though both are methods for imaging internal body parts, and also have an almost similar use, the way they are produced is different. CT scans use X-rays while MRI uses strong magnet waves and radio waves.
A CT scan or the CAT scan stands for Computerized Axial Tomography, wherein a large X-Ray machine called a CT scanner sends the image to the computer.
MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging uses radio waves and magnets to create images. In this scan, the constant magnetic field and radio waves bounce off the water molecules and fat cells in the patient’s body.
Though CT scans are very common as they are cheaper than MRIs, MRI produces detailed and accurate images of the body.
The very common uses for a CT scan include examining or looking for a tumor, bone fractures, internal bleeding, cancer development, and response to a particular treatment.
An MRI on the other hand is used when doctors need to diagnose any issues with bones, organs, and joints including ankles, breasts, brain, heart, joints, wrists, blood vessels, etc.
CT scans and MRIs both are very safe procedures however they pose significantly different types of risks.
A very little quantity of radiation is given to a patient during a CT scan, but doctors often do not view this as dangerous.
Radiation is not used in MRI scans. However, they do employ powerful magnetic fields. Any type of medical implant, such as a pacemaker, insulin pump, or cochlear implant, must be disclosed to technicians. People typically wear earplugs or headphones to reduce the noise during MRI scans because they make loud noises. MRI scanners may be uncomfortable for claustrophobic people, but there are now various varieties of open MRI scanners that can help with this issue.
Your doctor will recommend the scan that he requires to analyze your need and thus a very effective imaging procedure

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