CT vs. MRI: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? AND HOW DO PROFESSIONALS DETERMINE WHICH IMAGING METHOD TO USE?

MRI and CT Diagnostics

Whenever we hear about traditional radiology services, the most recurrent of them that cross our minds are MRI and CT diagnostics.

Both are used to take detailed visual of an inside body and detect various medical conditions or internal damages of bones, organs, and joints.

Understandably, many of us do not know the difference between both imaging methods. But, the problem arises when you have to choose one. It is not a lucky draw; you can’t just casually pick one based on your gut feeling, your health and future diagnosis depend on it. 

Well, luckily you are not the one who has to choose here. A professional doctor is here to prescribe you the required imaging method.

So, in the CT scan vs. MRI battle, it is integral for you to understand what both of them are and their differences. 

What Can Be Diagnosed by MRI?

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a form of technology that utilizes sound to help determine what can be diagnosed by MRI. The basic idea is that the brain uses powerful magnetic forces to deform its tissues and cells, allowing it to create images of the body’s internal structures.

MRI can diagnose brain tumors, stroke, dementia, cancer, heart diseases, brain injuries, infections, multiple sclerosis, traumatic injuries, bone abnormalities, and more.

By creating an image of the body’s internal structures, the doctor can see if there are any problems with these structures and how they may affect the patient. MRI is an excellent diagnostic tool and has helped save thousands of lives across the world every year!

What Is A CT Scan Used for?

A CT Scan, which is also commonly referred to as a Computed Tomography Scanning or CT Scanning, is a diagnostic imaging process in which high-resolution digital images of the patient’s internal organs are obtained. The scan is done using a CT scanner, a specialized device that compresses the data to be scanned into a usable form for transmission through imaging media such as tubes and wires. 

The resulting images are then magnified many times to be used for various purposes such as obtaining detailed blood flow patterns of the heart, chest, and abdomen, detecting brain tumors, or checking the state of an ulcer on the neck. 

CT Scans have changed a lot over the years and have been particularly useful for physicians to diagnose certain internal disorders. 

With the advent of CT Scanners, the detection and treatment of certain cancers have become a lot easier, and recovery times have been greatly improved. CT Scans are also widely used in emergency and trauma cases to obtain vital signs and scans of patients’ heads and bodies in such critical conditions prone to bleed, such as in the case of trauma victims.

CT Scans are often used to locate and assess tumors in the internal organs, such as the colon, lungs, liver, bones, etc. When performing a scan on an internal organ, a small camera on a particular part of the scanner is used to capture and image the organ’s details. 

By analyzing the images, the radiologist will determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant. If it is benign, then treatment will be performed, such as chemotherapy or surgery.

Difference between MRI and CT Diagnostics

Do you know what the difference between MRI and CT diagnostics is?

Before answering that question, we need to know more about MRI scans and CT diagnostics. A CT scan, which is short for Computed Tomography, is a diagnostic test used to view the internal organs. 

CT scans can provide instant feedback about organs such as the heart, lungs, and kidney without requiring a patient’s presence. On the other hand, MRI uses radio waves to view structures that are not solid-which makes them much harder to penetrate.

Now that we already know what MRI and CT diagnostics do, what’s the difference between them? 

Well, there are many differences between the two types of diagnostic tests. While MRI can give faster feedback about hard-to penetrate structures, CTs are more accurate and provide a clearer picture of internal structures. 

There are even more websites out there that go into more detail about what each type of diagnostic test is useful for, so if you are interested in learning more about CT vs. MRI, be sure to check them out!

Which is better between MRI and CT Diagnostics?

So which is better between MRI and CT diagnostics? That’s a good question. 

The answer will surprise you. Of course, the type of affordable imaging test you choose is really a personal choice, but the decision is better will come down to your situation and your comfort level. 

MRI and CT diagnostics are both necessary. With MRI scans, you are essentially getting an x-ray view of your brain while you are under anesthesia. Most people feel that it is much easier to understand what is going on when images are visualized rather than judging them directly. 

On the other hand, CT scans offer a much clearer image, but they are not as invasive as MRI. A patient can opt for both types of imaging tests to get the best possible picture of what is going on.

The preference between the two depends on what you are looking to achieve from your medical care. If you want to know whether or not something is cancerous or has caused damage to an internal organ, then you might consider going with the more conventional CT scan. 

If you are looking for a quicker diagnosis or knowing whether or not something serious has happened, you should go with MRI. But ultimately, it all depends on your individual needs and what you expect to get from your medical care. 

Ideally, one must follow doctors’ advice and go for their doctor’s option between MRI and CT diagnostics.

MRI and CT Diagnostics, How Do Doctors Determine Which One to Use?

Usually, doctors use a CT scan unless the infection or tumor is severe or can be viewed better on MRI. According to the doctors, between MRI and CT diagnostics, they mostly prefer MRI when uncertain with CT scans’ images. 

If a patient has a hard time controlling their body movements and can’t stay still, they are suggested CT as an alternative. 

In a nutshell, only by weighing the risks, results, severity, and clarity of images, a professional adopts and suggests a particular imaging method.   

If you have to pick one between MRI and CT diagnostics, listen to the doctor’s recommendations before you decide one for yourself. 

At AQMDI, we provide extraordinary MRI and CT diagnostics and imaging services, making an efficient pathway for your diagnosis and recovery.