Doctors recommend a diagnostic imaging test to see what is happening inside your body. CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays are some of the most popular and widely used imaging tests that enable physicians make an accurate diagnosis and plan the most effective treatment. Each imaging test uses different technology to create images so that your doctor can identify certain medical conditions. Contact Manhattan MRI and talk to our specialists about your scan. We offer the highest quality scanning services, which play a significant role in maintaining and improving your health and planning the best care instead of exploring invasive options.
Diagnostic imaging techniques help narrow the possible causes of pain, injury, or illness for a more accurate diagnosis. These techniques include X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. The type of imaging used depends on the part of the body the doctor wants to see on an image as well as the type of imaging available to the patient.
These imaging tools allow your doctors to see the internal structures of your body. They produce clear, detailed pictures of your bones, organs, muscles, tendons, nerves and cartilage. This way, doctors can determine a problem and focus on providing the best solution.
It is important to note that these imaging tests are not the same. They create images using various forms of electromagnetic energy, such as radio waves and X-rays.
These imaging technologies differ widely when it comes to:
Comparing CT scans vs. MRIs vs. X-rays helps you understand each of them better so you can have an informed discussion with your doctor and play an active role in making decisions regarding your healthcare.
X-rays, also called radiographs, are the most commonly used diagnostic imaging tests that are widely available. An X-ray is the fastest form of imaging and only takes a few minutes to complete. Even if you need to go through more sophisticated tests, chances are that you will have to get an X-ray first as they can detect some abnormalities better than some sophisticated tests. It is the first-line imaging that allows physicians to see major problems with the bones.
X-rays are a form of radiation. When they pass through the body, bone and other diseased objects block radiation and appear white on the film. The less-dense tissues are hard to see and appear gray.
Physicians order x-rays for diagnosing and assessing:
The technicians position you on several angles during the x-ray procedure. In case of a limb fracture, the doctor may want to take an x-ray of the other, non-injured limb to compare both and make a diagnosis. X-rays do not take more than 10 minutes, and the images are ready quickly.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a sophisticated diagnostic imaging method that uses a powerful magnet, radio waves, and computer to create detailed images of the body structures. MRI produces cross-sectional, high-resolution pictures of your bones, soft tissues, nerves, and blood vessels that enable the physicians to make an accurate diagnosis regarding your condition.
Unlike X-rays and CT scans, MRI scans work without radiation. MRI excels in showing certain diseases that a CT scan cannot detect.
MRIs are especially useful for spotting injuries and conditions, including:
Doctors use MRI scans frequently for diagnosing various conditions, as well as for assessing treatment progress, looking into brain abnormalities, and evaluating pelvic pain or infertility issues.
Often problems that are too subtle to see on an X-ray can be detected with an MRI, as it offers excellent contrast resolution for bones and soft tissues. An MRI scanner is a highly specialized machine, and it may not be available in some imaging facilities or hospitals.
Computed tomography (CT) is an imaging tool that combines X-rays with computer technology to produce more detailed, cross-sectional images of the body. It also sends radiation through the body but offers a higher level of detail, creating 360 views of the body’s structures.
A CT scan allows physicians to see the size, shape, and position of structures deep inside the body, such as organs, tissues, bone structures, or tumors. CT scans are fast and detailed. They take longer than X-rays but are still faster, which makes them ideal for emergencies, such as for people who were in an accident or fell to rule out fractures.
CT scans can help spot:
X-rays are limited to scanning for only a few body ailments. On the other hand, MRIs are more versatile and used for diagnosing many medical conditions as they produce much higher quality images than X-rays. While X-rays are used more for examining broken bones, MRIs can also detect diseased tissue. MRIs are better for evaluating soft tissues such as tendon and ligament injuries, brain tumors, or spinal cord injuries.
MRIs are generally safer than X-rays because they don’t use ionizing radiation to create images of the body. While limited exposure to X-rays is not harmful, frequent exposure can increase the risk of cancer. Pregnant women should take special precautions to protect the baby from harmful effects of radiation.
MRIs use strong magnets and radio waves to show detailed images of the body’s internal components. They are a much safer option for individuals as well as pregnant women requiring frequent imaging.
CT scans use ionizing radiation to create images of internal structures, which exposes you to a small dose of radiation. MRI scans use a magnetic field and radio waves to form images and do not involve exposure to ionizing radiation.
A CT scan is typically quicker than an MRI. Also, unlike MRI, a CT scanner does not surround the whole body, which reduces the chances of claustrophobia. People with anxiety or claustrophobia may need sedation if they need to undergo a brain, spinal, head, or shoulder MRI, or they can undergo an open MRI.
A CT scan may be recommended if a patient can’t have an MRI. People with metal implants, pacemakers, or other implanted or electronic devices cannot go for an MRI due to the powerful magnet inside the machines. CT scans create images of bones and soft tissues. However, they are not as effective as MRI and expose subtle differences between types of tissue.
While CT scans can detect fractures, diseased tissue, injuries to the head, spine, chest, or abdomen, and tumors, MRIs are better at diagnosing soft tissue problems in the brain, spinal cord, neck, breasts, and abdomen.
Knowing the difference between a CT scan, an MRI, and an X-ray can help you understand what each of these imaging tests can do and which one your doctor is more likely to recommend to make an accurate diagnosis.
Doctors usually prefer CT scans first for most people unless it is a tumor, which is seen much better on MRI. However, they can go back and forth as needed to make an accurate diagnosis. If they see something on a CT scan and are unsure about it, they may recommend an MRI for further evaluation. However, people who have had several MRIs and are unable to lie still or hold their breath for the technologist to obtain good images may need a CT scan as an alternative. They are guided by the principle of whether the benefits of a test outweigh its risks to ensure the best patient care.
If you are experiencing unusual pain or symptoms that fail to go away with treatment or you have been through an accident, your doctor may recommend an imaging test to make the right diagnosis. Talk to your doctor about the type of imaging you need and how it can get you the most effective treatment.
At Manhattan MRI, we offer the most advanced imaging technology to ensure you get reliable and accurate procedure results that help your doctors do the best for you. Our specialists answer all your questions regarding imaging tests, prepare for them, and guide you every step of the way to ensure you are on the right track to a healthy life.
