One of the most frequently asked questions David Topper receives from patients is, “What is the difference between a CT scan and an MRI Scan?” At first glance, these procedures may appear to be very similar, but MRIs and CT scans are vastly different in terms of the imaging they provide, the conditions they are used to diagnose, and their overall functionality.
Here are some key distinctions between the two imaging modalities:
Fundamental Purpose
CT scans are most commonly used to diagnose tumors, chest or lung problems, and bone injuries. On the other hand, MRIs are better suited for evaluating soft tissue injuries, especially those involving ligaments or tendons. They are also beneficial in the treatment of spinal cord injuries and brain tumors.
Radiation Exposure Level
One of the most significant advantages of an MRI at valley imaging is that the scan is radiation-free. Patients are not exposed to radiation because the images are created using a magnet rather than x-ray technology. CT scans, on the other hand, expose patients to low-level radiation.
A CT scan’s average radiation dose can range from 2 to 10 mSv, about as much public radiation exposure as a person receives in 3-5 years. Patients are advised to avoid unnecessary or excessive CT scans because repeated exposure to higher radiation levels may result in cancer.
Scan Time & Comfort Level
MRIs sometimes get a bad rap when it comes to the overall patient experience. The scan time is much longer, ranging from 30 minutes to two hours, and patients must not move while being scanned. Anxiety or claustrophobia is common among MRI patients due to the amount of time with restricted movement inside the machine.
Although using an open MRI machine rather than a closed one can help alleviate patient claustrophobia, there is nothing the patient can do about the time they must remain in the machine.
