Which differences between an MRI and a CT scan?


Both the CT scan and the MRI are done by a radiologist who is trained in supervising and interpreting radiology. A radiologist is a fully qualified doctor who specializes in radiology - MRI, CT scans, radiographs, nuclear medicine scans, mammograms and sonograms. A radiologic technologist or radiographer is the X-ray technician, the person who takes the X-rays. The radiologist is a doctor; the radiographer is not a doctor. The radiologist will analyze the images and send his/her report to the patient's doctor. The basic differences between a CT scan and an MRI include the following: (1) A CT scan uses X-rays. An MRI does not use X-rays; it uses magnets and radio waves. (2) A CT scan does not show tendons and ligaments, an MRI does(3) MRI is better for looking at the spinal cord(4) There's no ionizing radiation (X-rays) involved in producing an MRI scan. MRI scans are generally more detailed, too(5) A CT scan is better for looking at cancer, pneumonia, abnormal chest x-rays, bleeding in the brain (especially from injury)(6) A brain tumor is better seen on MRI(7) A CT scan shows organ tear and organ injury more quickly - so it may be the best choice for accident victims(8) Broken bones and vertebrae are better seen on CT scan(9) CT scans are better at visualizing the lungs and organs in the chest cavity between the lungs(10) MRI scans are also more costly than CT scans, and take longer to complete. The length of the MRI scan depends on the region of the body being imaged. MRI scans may be indicated in those patients who are not able to have a CT scan...

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