Difference Between CT Scan and MRI

Radiology is one of the most interesting and promising careers in medicine. It is using technology to detect and treat diseases. Radiologic technology professionals perform diagnostic imaging procedures. Some of these are X-ray examinations, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans, and Computed Tomography (CT) scans. In this article, we will discuss the features of CT Scan and MRI. Also, the difference between CT Scan and MRI will be presented in easy and tabular form.

What is MRI?

MRI is a Magnetic Resonance Imaging technique for scanning the body. It is also known as NMRI i.e. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging or sometimes MRT i.e. Magnetic Resonance Tomography. It is a diagnostic imaging technique used in radiology for displaying the informative images of the internal body structures much clearer than X-Ray. It can create representations of the anatomy and physiological functions of the body for medical purposes.

In an MRI machine, the protons of hydrogen in the body synchronize according to the magnetic field. This happened while connecting to the magnet to face the same orientation. As our body is all water and all tissue types contain protons of hydrogen. These react to the magnetic field. Further, a radio wave transmitted through the body. Dependent on the quantity of energy generated and the time required to reorient the protons. MRI will distinguish among various tissue types for producing the detailed picture.

What is a CT scan?

Its full form is a computerized tomography scan or CAT scan. This technology is using the computers and rotating X-ray machines to create cross-sectional images of the body. Information received through these images is much detailed in comparison to the normal X-ray images. These images can show the soft tissues, blood vessels, and bones in different parts of the body. Mainly a CT scan is used to visualize the head, shoulders, spine, heart, abdomen, knee, and chest.

During the CT scan patient lie in a tunnel-like machine. Inside it, the machine rotates and takes a series of X-rays from different angles. These images are then sent to a computer, where they are combined to create cross-sectional images of the body. Those images may also be combined to produce a 3-D image of a particular area of the body.

Difference Between CT Scan and MRI

The important difference between CT Scan and MRI

Parameter	CT Scan	MRI
Definition	Computed Tomography (CT) scans for finding body parts images.	Magnetic Resonance Imaging technique for scanning body
Benefits	CT scan is faster and can provide pictures of tissues, organs, and skeletal structure.	MRI is highly adept at capturing images for helping doctors to determine the abnormal tissues within the body.
Imaging Level	It provides less detailed images.	It provides more detailed images.
Risks	It is harmful to unborn babies. It has a small dose of radiation. A potential reaction due to the use of dyes. CT scans are more widely in use than MRI.	It possibly reacts to metals due to magnets and creates loud noises from the machine. It also increases the body temperature. MRIs are less widely used.
Price	It is less expensive.	It is expensive.
X-ray	It uses X-rays.	It does not use X-rays.

For getting a better understanding of the difference between CT Scan and MRI, let us study some more details.

Some points are:

• Cost: CT scan cost is almost half the price of an MRI.
• Speed: CT scans are taking much less time than MRIs.
• Images: MRIs will produce sharper, more detailed images especially of soft tissues and behind bones.
• Sound level: MRIs are very noisy and problematic for hearing issues. Whereas CT scans are much quieter than MRIs.

FAQs on CT Scan and MRI:

Q.1: What do CT Scan results are meant for?

Answer: CT scan results may be considered normal if the radiologist didn’t see any tumors or blood clots or fractures or any type of abnormalities in the images. If abnormalities are detected through a CT scan then further tests or treatments may be followed by the physicians.

Q.2: Which scan is right?

Answer: The right scan will depend on the purpose for which scanning is needed. Based on the symptoms and health history physicians will decide to choose a diagnostic scan method. Also, the risk factors will help to select the suitable one.

Q.3: What are some applications of MRI?

Answer: MRI is useful in medical applications. It accurately detects health problems and illnesses from the human body. It is useful to treat diseases such as brain tumors, heart attacks and strokes, head or neck injuries, spinal disorders and brain and spinal cord defects, etc.