You may have heard of both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (scans) as excellent methods of obtaining diagnostic images of the inside of your body. However, each method accomplishes their intended tasks in very different ways. Here’s how MRI and CT scans differ from each other:
MRI
As the name implies, MRI uses magnets and radio waves to produce a diagnostic image. Basically, magnets are used to line up all of the body’s protons in a certain manner, then radio waves are bounced off the protons to produce a signal that the MRI scanner can interpret into a 3D image. The upside to MRI is that it doesn’t make use of potentially harmful radiation to produce its images.
CT Scan
In contrast, CT scans make use of X-ray beams, which require a small dose of ionizing radiation. The CT scanner takes multiple 2D images of the part of the body being examined, then a computer combines these 2D images to create one 3D image to reveal the presence of disease or injury in the body. It’s worth noting that the radiation levels used in CT scans are considered safe for the human body.
Applications
In terms of speed, CT scans are generally faster to obtain than MRI scans—while MRI scans take an average of 30 – 45 minutes to complete depending on the body part scanned, CT scans can be done in less than five minutes. Each also has its general applications—MRI is often used to diagnose soft joints, ligaments, soft tissues and tendons, while CT scans lend more toward the diagnosis of fractures to the head, chest, spine, abdomen and pelvis.
It is ultimately up to your physician to decide which scanning method is more applicable to your current medical condition, but rest assured, each method can serve their purpose well as long as they are carried out by the most trusted providers in the field.
Sources:
What is the difference between a CT and a MRI?
http://www.woosterhospital.org
What’s the Difference Between a CT Scan and an MRI?
Glendale MRI Institute 