Difference between MRI and CT Scan

We have been ill some time or the other, and we have gone through several tests in order to ensure what deficiencies we have in our body. In case if the person is suffering from some severe disorder, then he/ she has to undergo an MRI or a CT Scan. Both MRI and CT scans are used for diagnosing a particular disorder in a person. The treatment of MRI and CT scan is different from one another. But before discussing their differences, let us know the basic meaning of these terms.

MRI

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It is a technique used in medical science that provides images of the physical processes of the body. The anatomy of the body is also pictured in this technique. Well, it is a technique used under radiology, wherein radio waves are used to generate pictures of the body. Well, it is interesting to note that MRI does not use the X-Ray technique. People go for MRI in order to diagnose a disease in an individual.

CT Scan

CT Scan stands for Computerized Tomography Scan. It is a technique used in medical science, wherein the images are taken with the help of X-Rays. The images are taken from various angles, and several images are provided, like the cross-sectional pictures of bones and other body parts. Well, it is interesting to note that the pictures provided by CT Scan are much more informative and detailed as compared to MRI. CT Scans are able to detect disorders related to joints and bones. That is why cross-sectional images are taken in CT Scans. Now, having discussed the basic definition of MRI and CT Scan, let us take a look at some points of contrast between them.

S.NO.	MRI	CT SCAN
1.	MRI is defined as a medical technique wherein radio waves are used to get images of the body.	On the other hand, CT Scan is defined as the medical technique in which the images are taken with the help of X-Rays.
2.	The radio frequencies are used by doctors in order to diagnose a disease.	X-Rays are used to provide images in order to diagnose the problem.
3.	The problems related to the internal organs of the body are diagnosed in this technique.	The problems related to joints and bones are diagnosed in this technique.
4.	MRI does not use any radiation that can have a harmful effect on the body.	On the other hand, CT Scan uses radiation which may have a negative impact on the body.
5.	The images produced by MRI are much more informative and detailed. Diagnosing organs like the brain, digestive system, reproductive system, etc., come under MRI.	The images produced under CT Scan are not much detailed because only bones and joint-related problems are diagnosed in it.
6.	MRI takes time to diagnose a problem. People having claustrophobia might feel uncomfortable in an MRI scan.	CT scans are not noisy. They use a quick and painless method of diagnosing.
7.	MRI scans are costly.	CT Scans are not much costly as compared to MRI scans.
8.	MRI scans might cause hearing issues to people as they are noisy.	On the other hand, CT Scans do not pose such risks.

So, these are some points of contrast related to MRI and CT Scan. Now, you must be wondering as to which method of diagnosing is better. Well, both MRI and CT Scan are safe options. But they have related risks. People prefer MRI scans as the images produced are clear, detailed, and informative. The risks related to MRI and CT Scan depend upon the images. The risks regarding MRI and CT Scan is given below.

Risks related to MRI

MRI has certain risks like:

Reactions related to the magnets like stunts in heat, brain, or any other parts of the body.
Noises are loud that may cause a hearing aid.
The body temperature of an individual might increase which undergoing an MRI scan.
People having claustrophobia might feel uncomfortable while undergoing the scan.
One might not go under MRI scans if they have implantations in the eye, joints, etc. They must consult a doctor in order to undergo an MRI scan.

Risks related to CT Scan

CT Scans have certain risks like:

CT Scan may cause harm to unborn babies.
CT Scans release various radiation that might cause harm to the body.
The radiations released might cause serious diseases like cancer.

So, these are some of the risks regarding MRI and CT Scans. Both MRI and CT Scan is used to provide images of internal body parts. The process of both scans is different. For instance, MRI takes a longer time in diagnosing the disease as compared to the CT Scan. Now, you must be wondering as to which technique one must choose. Well, it completely depends upon the doctor. It is advised to consult a doctor before undergoing any of these scans. The doctors suggest the scans based on one's symptoms. For instance, in case if one has anxiety attacks, then he/ she is advised to go under a CT Scan. Now, there are certain situations where MRI and CT Scans are used. Let us look at some of them.

Uses of MRI

MRI is used in:

Disorders of the brain, spinal cord, etc.
Tumors, cancers, and other diseases.
Women with breast cancer.
Problems related to joints and bones.
Heart disorders.
Disorders related to abdominal areas and liver.
Women having pelvic pain, thereby causing endometriosis.
Uterus disorders in women.
Infertility in women.

Uses of CT Scan

CT Scan is used to:

Diagnose bone and joint disorders caused due to an accident or trauma.
Diagnose skeletal injuries and spinal cord injuries.
Diagnose Osteoporosis.
Diagnose cancer or tumor and help in preventing it from spreading.
Diagnose infections in several parts of the body.
Brain disorders like haemorrhage, stroke, clots, etc.
Diagnose vascular disorders like stroke, kidney failure, heart failure, etc.
Diagnose pain in the chest, abdomen, and several other symptoms.
Diagnose disorders related to lungs such as COPD (Chronic Pulmonary Obstructive Disease), pneumonia, etc.

So, these are some of the situations in which MRI and CT Scans are used. It is important to know the benefits and risks related to MRI and CT Scans before undergoing them. It is advised to consult a doctor in order to know which scan one has to undergo. Thus, in case of any disorder, one must undergo one of these scans after knowing the related risks and benefits.

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