MRIs and CT scans are types of diagnostic imaging tools that capture images of your internal structures. Your doctor may request that you get an MRI or CT scan to help diagnose an illness or injury or to track your treatment progress. From chiropractic care to physical therapy, both MRIs and CT scans can be extremely beneficial and support both your diagnosis and treatment plan. Both of these types of diagnostic imaging tools come with relatively low risk. However, certain differences between CT and MRI can help determine which type of scan would be more appropriate for you. Here’s what you need to know about the difference between an MRI and a CT scan.
What Is an MRI?
MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging and is a type of scan that uses radio waves to capture images of what is going on inside your body. An MRI machine looks like a long, tube-like structure that can take a 360* look at your internal structures. The MRI machine uses radio waves and powerful magnets that work together to capture these important images. When the MRI scan begins, radio waves are transmitted and bounce off a magnetic field to create images of the body. When you get an MRI, you will need to lie still on a table that is inserted into the machine. An MRI is a very loud machine due to the sound of the magnets moving around. In many cases, you will be provided with earplugs or headphones to help with the loud noises and make the experience more bearable. An MRI is a painless experience, though it can be uncomfortable due to the loud sounds and the importance of staying very still for the duration of the scan.
What Is a CT Scan?
CT stands for computed tomography and is a type of scan that uses X-rays. Unlike a typical X-ray, however, a CT scan creates more detailed images. A typical X-ray will only show bones and cartilage in white with soft tissues and organs in shades of gray. A CT scan, also sometimes referred to as a CAT scan, uses a larger X-ray machine and takes cross-sectional images of your internal structures. When you get a CT scan, you will lie down on a table that moves through the CT scan machine as it takes these cross-sectional X-rays. CT scans take a series of X-rays around a specific part of the body, and then computer technology creates 2D and 3D images. This allows for a much more detailed look at the inside of your body than a typical X-ray. The CT scan equipment is smaller than that of an MRI machine and is not a fully enclosed experience.
What MRIs vs. CT Scans Look For
If you need an MRI or CT scan, then your doctor is likely requesting these advanced technologies for a more detailed look at something inside your body. Traditional X-rays still have benefits in some cases, but an MRI or CT scan will provide much greater detail. Both MRI and CT scans can be used to diagnose a wide range of injuries. These types of diagnostic tools can help provide an accurate diagnosis for injury or issues with bones, joints, organs, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues. Both MRI and CT scans provide detailed views of internal body structures and can help diagnose injuries and also identify any abnormal tissues in the body. Your doctor may request an MRI or CT scan to help diagnose or support a suspected diagnosis. An MRI can be used to detect tumors or other cancerous masses. Issues with blood vessels like aneurysms or artery blockages can also appear on an MRI. Your doctor can also use an MRI to diagnose brain issues like multiple sclerosis, stroke, or other conditions that affect your brain and spinal cord. CT scans can also detect blood vessel blockages and aneurysms, along with unknown masses or abnormalities. CT scans can also provide your doctor with a better picture of what is going on with your skeletal system. When your doctor needs an in-depth and highly detailed look at what is going on inside your body, they will request an MRI or CT scan.
Advantages of an MRI vs. CT Scan
An MRI will typically provide clearer images of your internal structures than a CT scan. MRIs also provide more detailed views of soft tissues in the body, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This can help detect issues like a torn ligament or a herniated disc. An MRI may be a better option than X-rays or a CT scan, depending on the type of injury or issue your doctor wants to see in greater detail. However, a CT scan is a much faster type of scan and is easier to take in emergency situations. CT scans are also more easily accessible for patients of all sizes and body types. CT scans are also more comfortable than an MRI scanner due to their more open design. When time is of the essence, your doctor may request a CT scan instead of an MRI because it produces speedier results in an emergency. CT scans can also be a better option financially because they typically cost less than an MRI.
CT Scan vs. MRI Risks
Because CT scans are a type of X-ray, you are exposed to a small amount of radiation. A CT scan can expose you to as much as 1,000 times the amount of radiation than you would get with a traditional X-ray. While these are still considered relatively small doses of radiation, if you require multiple scans, then this amount of radiation can add up. CT scans do not always provide as much detailed information as an MRI would. CT scans are also not recommended for pregnant women due to the small dose of radiation. However, an MRI takes a longer amount of time to complete. MRI scans are also extremely noisy and can be unsettling for people depending on their level of noise tolerance. Some people may also experience anxiety or claustrophobia with an MRI because of the closed tube design of the machine. An MRI also requires you to stay completely still in order to receive sharp results. That means even the slightest movements can result in blurred images. Patients with metal implants, including artificial joints, an IUD, or a pacemaker, are not eligible to undergo an MRI.
When to Get a CT Scan vs. MRI
In some cases, your doctor will be able to diagnose an injury or issue based on your symptoms and medical history. However, this is not always enough information, and your doctor may recommend a CT scan or MRI to diagnose a disorder or injury, pinpoint the specific location of an issue, or detect and monitor diseases and conditions. CT scans and MRIs are diagnostic imaging tools used to support a diagnosis of an injury, condition, disease, or illness. These types of tools can also be used to guide procedures like surgery or a biopsy. CT scans and MRIs are used to monitor the effectiveness of a treatment, like cancer treatment. Both CT scans and MRIs can also be used to detect internal injuries, internal bleeding, and other serious trauma.
Choosing an MRI vs. a CT Scan
The right scan for you will depend on what exactly your doctor is looking for. Your doctor will determine whether a CT scan or MRI is more appropriate based on the goals for the diagnostic scan. Your doctor will also weigh risk factors that may prevent you from getting a CT scan or an MRI. For example, your doctor may recommend a CT scan if you have a metal implant like an artificial joint, pacemaker, or IUD. These metal implants will prevent you from getting an MRI due to the use of magnetic fields and metal interactions. If your doctor wants a quick and effective set of images of a recent injury or suspected condition, a CT scan may be the best choice. CT scans are faster and are more common in emergency settings, like diagnosing any car accident injuries or sports injuries. If you suffered any head trauma due to a car accident, while playing sports, or another type of head injury, then a CT scan would provide a faster response for time-sensitive information. In cases where your doctor requires a more detailed set of images for diagnosing or tracking treatment progress, a series of MRIs may be recommended instead.
How a CT Scan or MRI Supports Treatment
MRI and CT scan results are used to support treatment in a variety of ways. Your doctor will utilize MRI and CT scan images in their diagnosis and while tracking the treatment process. Here are ways in which a CT scan or MRI will support goals for treatment:
Diagnosing Injuries
A CT scan or an MRI can be used to diagnose a wide range of injuries. If you are experiencing pain due to a recent injury or accident, a CT scan or MRI can provide your doctor with detailed images. Some injuries may present with symptoms that make it difficult to identify the underlying cause. A CT scan or MRI can shed light on where the injury has occurred and the severity of your injuries. This can help inform the necessary treatment for your injuries.
Diagnosing Health Conditions
A CT scan or an MRI can also be used to diagnose many health conditions. From identifying cancerous tumors to issues with blood vessels and circulation, these diagnostic imaging tools offer your doctor a detailed look at the issue. An MRI can be used to diagnose and monitor the progression of various health conditions, from liver disease to circulation problems. Any abnormalities, like unknown masses or suspected tumors, can be viewed with a CT scan or MRI.
Tracking Treatment Progress
A CT scan or an MRI may also be used to track treatment progress for an illness or health condition. Your doctor will start with the first set of images taken by CT scan or MRI at the time of diagnosis. Continued scans interspersed throughout your treatment and recovery process will help determine if the treatment is successful. A CT scan or MRI can also help monitor whether a course of treatment is successful, like in the case of shrinking a cancerous tumor. Scans may be set at regular intervals depending on the health condition you are dealing with to track your progress.
What to Expect with an MRI or CT Scan with Contrast
In some cases, your doctor may request an MRI or CT scan with contrast. This will involve drinking or injecting a contrast dye that will highlight certain areas of the body. An MRI or CT scan with contrast can help identify particular areas of interest. Your doctor may also want to run an MRI or CT scan with contrast and one without contrast to compare the differences in the results. The contrast dye is either injected into a vein or taken as a drink, depending on what part of the body is being scanned. After you remove all jewelry and metal, you will wear comfortable clothes or a hospital gown for the scan. In most cases, you will lie on a table that slides into the CT scan or MRI device. The time it takes to complete a scan will depend on whether or not you have a CT scan or MRI and what areas of the body will need to be scanned.
Benefits to In-House MRI and CT Scans
At AICA Orthopedics in Atlanta, we understand the importance of quality and convenient healthcare. That is why we offer in-house MRI and CT scans at our Atlanta location. AICA Orthopedics has a team of orthopedic doctors, surgeons, chiropractors, and physical therapists who all work together in one convenient location to provide you with the quality care you deserve. You won’t have to go across town to get the scans you need because we have state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging tools right here in our office. Visit us to learn more about our diagnostic imaging options and schedule your MRI or CT scan today