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The DocPanel platform enables people all over the world to get an expert second opinion in as little as 24 – 72 hours.
An easy 3-step process – instantly upload your scans, select an expert subspecialty radiologist , and submit your request. Upon uploading your scans, youll also have the opportunity to ask any questions you might have about your case.Not sure what a subspecialist is? Learn more with our in-depth article on the importance of getting a second opinion from a subspecialty radiologist.
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Is Mri Safer Than A Ct Scan
It is crucial to evaluate CT versus MRI scan safety. There are no known safety threats posed by an MRI scan. Though, they can feel louder to a few or make others feel claustrophobic. Additionally, few people with medical complexities should avoid an MRI like those with metallic ear implants or artificial heart valves.
What Is A Ct/cat Scan
Wondering what the difference is between a CT and a CAT Scan. Nothing! Theyre the same thing and you can use the names interchangeably. If you need a CT scan, youre in luck, Traci says. In all her years of scanning, shes never had a single patient who couldnt handle a CT:
Sometimes patients are a little bit uncomfortable in the positions we need them to hold but were usually able to get the scan done so quickly its never been a problem. Many people seem relieved that it is as easy to do as it is.
In laymans terms, CT is an X-ray machine thats hooked up to a computer. You lie flat on the table and a pencil-thin beam takes cross-sectional images of your body. Traci explains that the beam rotates around your body and takes image slices of you like a loaf of bread.
CT does use radiation to capture clear images. At RAYUS, we do everything we can to make sure you are getting the lowest dose of radiation possible while still getting the highest quality images . The CT scan is so quick Traci says most patients worries about radiation exposure quickly disappear:
Its hard to be concerned when I explain to the patient: Im going to ask you to hold still its going to be 3 minutes and Im going to pull you right back out. I think for that reason the whole concern kind of goes away.
CT is good for:
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Choosing Between An Mri And Ct Scan
Most likely, your doctor will give you a recommendation based on your symptoms whether you should get an MRI or CT scan.
If you need a more detailed image of your soft tissue, ligaments, or organs, your doctor will commonly suggest an MRI.
Such cases include:
- soft tissue issues
If you need a general image of an area like your internal organs, or due to a fracture or head trauma, a CT scan will commonly be recommended.
What Injuries Require An Mri
An MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, uses a powerful magnet to pass radio waves through the body. Protons in the body react to the energy and create highly detailed pictures of the bodys structures, including soft tissues, nerves and blood vessels. Unlike X-rays and CT scans, MRIs dont use any radiation. At Johns Hopkins, weve developed very fast, high-resolution MRIs that can be done in 10 minutes or less. An MRI scanner is a highly specialized machine and may not be available in some imaging facilities or emergency rooms at other hospitals.Often, problems are too subtle to see on an X-ray, says Fayad. Thats where MRI comes in. An MRI offers excellent contrast resolution for bones and soft tissues.
MRIs are especially useful for spotting sports injuries and musculoskeletal conditions, including:
- Torn or detached ligaments, tendons, muscles and cartilage, such as:
- Rotator cuff tears
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What Is The Difference Between An Mri And An X
As mentioned, x-rays expose you to ionizing radiation. MRI machines dont emit this radiation. x-rays take mere minutes while MRIs can take 30 minutes or longer up to a couple of hours depending on what the doctor is looking for.
x-rays are limited to scanning for only a few body ailments. MRIs are more versatile, and doctors use them for examining many medical conditions. For example, x-rays are used more for examining broken bones, but they can also help detect diseased tissue. MRIs are better for evaluating soft tissues such as tendon and ligament injuries, brain tumors or spinal cord injuries.
Differences Between Mri And Ct Scans
The biggest difference between MRI and CT scans is that MRIs use radio waves while CT scans use X-rays.
Following are several others.
- MRIs are typically more expensive than CT scans.
- CT scans may be quieter and more comfortable.
- MRIs may take longer than CT scans. The length of time depends on the part of the body that is being imaged, but an MRI can take anywhere from 10 minutes to more than an hour. The average MRI time is about 40 minutes.
- MRIs can show more detail than CT scans.
- CT scans briefly expose patients to radiation. MRIs do not.
- CT scan machines are open, which helps prevent anxiety among patients who are concerned about being in closed spaces. Instead, it uses a doughnut-shaped structure called a gantry that circles around the patient. On the other hand, the chamber of an MRI machine is often enclosed, and more of the body may be within an MRI chamber during imaging. Open MRI machines are available as well, which can be helpful for patients who are nervous about being in the enclosed chamber.
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What Is The Difference Between An Mri And A Ct Scan
CT scan uses radiation, while MRI uses magnetic pulses to capture images of your organs. To know whats the difference between a CT scan and an MRI scan, you must know the result you want to achieve from the imaging techniques. MRI scans are more detailed as they can also display the images of soft tissues of your internal organs.
Advantages Of Ct Scans
Compared to MRI scans, there are several advantages of CT scans. For larger individuals who may not fit comfortably inside traditional MRI devices, CT scans may be a better choice due to their more open design. Because this procedure produces results so much faster than an MRI, it is doctors preferred choice for a scanner for making a diagnosis in an emergency. When time is of the essence in determining the cause of stroke to start treatment, a CT scan cannot be matched. Doctors can identify if the stroke occurred from hemorrhaging or by a blocked artery.
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Uses For Ct Scan Vs Mri
- Abdominal pain CT is the preferred test. It is more readily available on an emergency basis and is very accurate. Ultrasound is used for children and pregnant women.
- Trauma CT is present in most emergency departments and is the best at showing bone fractures, blood and organ injury.
- Spine MRI is best at imaging the spinal cord and nerves.
- Brain CT is used when speed is important, as in trauma and stroke. MRI is best when the images need to be very detailed, looking for cancer, causes of dementia or neurological diseases, or looking at places where bone might interfere.
- Chest CT is much better at examining lung tissue and often used for follow up on abnormal chest x-rays. Low dose CT Scans are available and used with high-risk smokers who need to be screened annually.
- Joints MRI is best at showing tendons and ligaments.
Your doctor will explain the choice of test, and he or she will consult with the RAF radiologist and MIF technologists to ensure that the imaging meets your needs. Both types of scan can help determine the source of your problem and get you closer to a solution.
Advantages Of Mri Over Cat Scan
- A CAT scan uses X rays to build up a picture. MRI uses a magnetic field to do the same and has no known side effects related to radiation exposure.
- MRI gives higher detail in soft tissues.
- One of the greatest advantages of MRI is the ability to change the contrast of the images. Small changes in radio waves and magnetic fields can completely change the contrast of the image. Different contrast settings will highlight different types of tissue.
- Another advantage of MRI is the ability to change the imaging plane without moving the patient. Most MRI machines can produce images in any plane.
- Contrast agents are also used in MRI but they are not made of iodine. There are fewer documented cases of reactions to MRI contrast and it is considered to be safer than X-ray dyes.
- For purposes of tumor detection and identification, MRI is generally superior. However, CT usually is more widely available, faster, much less expensive, and may be less likely to require the person to be sedated or anesthetized.
- CT may be enhanced by use of contrast agents containing elements of a higher atomic number than the surrounding flesh. Contrast agents for MRI are those which have paramagnetic properties. One example is gadolinium. Iodine use may be associated with allergic reactions.
CT scans and cancer
The radiation from CT scans is harmful and repeated scans can even cause cancer. In a February 2014 article, the New York Times reported that
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Ct Scan Vs Mri Important Things To Know For A Patient
There are two tests that most commonly used when it comes to body scans, CT scans and MRIs. Both of these are vastly more efficient and detailed than x-rays and provide a much more detailed view of the human body. Thus making it easier for doctors to assess the ailment.
The question of which test is prescribed when has always been a source of confusion for patients.
Ct scan vs MRIBoth these tests are designed to show the cross-sectional images of the body, but the means with which they do so are different.
CT scans, or computerized tomography uses a different variation of the old and reliablex-rays to produce an image.
MRI, magnetic resonance imaging, however, uses magnetic fields and radio frequencies to do the same. The difference in the techniques becomes the biggest factor when choosing a particular scan and one or the other is suggested by the doctor depending on the scan requirements.
When Does A Ct Cause Headaches
If you experience uncommon headaches, you may also require a CT scan or an MRI. Consult your doctor straight away if you suddenly have a terrible headache that feels like something is exploding within your skull. Your headaches are unlike any previous headaches you’ve had, especially if you’re above the age of 50. Your doctor may want to perform additional tests to determine the source of your pain.
Headaches are common symptoms that most people will experience at some point in their lives. They can be caused by many different factors including disease, trauma, or even stress. The two main types of headaches are chronic and acute. Chronic headaches last for more than 14 days per month for 3 months or longer. Acute headaches last for less than 24 hours and can be further divided into several subtypes including migraine, cluster, and tension.
CT scans and MRIs can reveal problems with the brain not detected by other imaging techniques such as X-rays. These include tumors, blood vessels issues, nerve problems, etc. The two main reasons patients receive CT scans and MRIs are to diagnose diseases or conditions of the head and neck and to look for signs of trauma.
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How Are Ct Scans Used
CT scanning is ideal for getting detailed images of bony structures as well as imaging bone, soft tissue, and blood vessels all at once. CT is capable of producing good soft tissue differentiation, as well, particularly when IV contrast is used. CT is commonly used for diagnosing lung and chest problems and detecting cancers, and emergency rooms rely heavily on CT scanning because it produces fast, detailed results.
Which Option Is The Best
There is no absolute better or worse, in terms of MRI versus CT scans. Each has its own merits, practical uses, and limitations. Always discuss allergies and all health concerns with your physician so that they can advise you on whether a neuroimaging process is necessary, and what method may be best for you personally.
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Schedule Your Diagnostic Imaging Test With Envision Imaging
For more information or if you need to book an appointment for a CT scan, MRI or x-rays, call Envision Imaging. Our centers dedicate themselves to improving your well-being and health while providing outstanding hospitality and experience.
We offer the latest in imaging technology to ensure you get reliable and accurate procedure results. We provide the fastest turnaround rate in the industry so your doctor can provide the quickest treatment plan possible for your urgent needs.
Scans According To Body Parts
- Abdominal Pain In cases of abdominal pain, the preferred test is considered to be a CT scan. It is easily accessible for emergencies and has a high accuracy rate. Ultrasound scans are usually used for children and pregnant women.
- Trauma Most emergency departments have a CT scan machine on hand and it is the best option to see any bone trauma or blood and organ injury.
- Spine MRI imaging is considered to be the best option for creating images of the spinal cord and nerves.
- Brain CT scans are used when speed is of primary importance. This is most often the case for trauma or strokes. MRI is best used when there needs to be a detailed image in case the doctor is looking for cancer, causes of dementia, neurological diseases, or if the doctor is looking for a place where the bone might be interfering.
- Chest CT scans are the most effective when one needs to examine lung tissue and are often used to follow up on abnormal chest x-rays. Low dose CT scans are also available for high-risk smokers who need to be scanned annually.
- Joints MRI is the best scan for joints, tendons, and ligaments.
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Whats The Difference Between An Mri And A Ct
Your doctor says you need a scan and immediately visions of a large machine fill your head. But do you know what youre really in for when you need a CT or an MRI? Its easy to get the two confused, especially if youve never had MRI or CT imaging done before. But from your perspective, lying on the table, there is a big difference!
What Kinds Of Tests Are Done For Headaches
CT and MRI exams are referred to as imaging tests because they provide images of the inside of the body. Many headache sufferers seek a CT scan or an MRI to determine whether their headaches are caused by a severe issue, such as a brain tumor. Most of the time, these tests are unnecessary. It is important to remember that while most headaches are not serious, some can be signs of a more serious condition that should be treated by a doctor.
The most common test used to diagnose headaches is called a neurological exam. During this test, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and will physically examine your head and neck for signs of issues such as tumors or infections.
Your doctor may also order other tests if he/she suspects that a problem exists. These include blood tests, urine tests, brain scans, and eye examinations.
Treatment for headaches varies depending on the cause. If you have recurrent headaches over time, see your doctor to determine the cause of your problems.
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Positron Emission Tomography Ct Scan
The PET CT scan helps the physician to see the level of activity of certain body organs and tissues, along with their structure. Youll receive a substance called a tracer containing glucose with a little bit of radioactive material attached before your test.
This tracer travels through your body systems. It acts like a dye for the imaging scan to pick up on. If theres high chemical activity in certain areas, more of the dye will be picked up, and it will show bright spots on the image, alerting the doctor of possible disease.
The radiation dose in the tracer is safe and minimal for most individuals. The tracer will be swallowed, inhaled or injected, depending on the examined body part.
Physicians use PET scans often for detecting heart problems, cancer and brain diseases.
Reasons To Perform A Ct Scan Abdomen
When the doctor suspects that there is some issue with the abdominal region of the patient, but falls short of information during the physical examination, a CT scan abdomen is ordered. Below are some of the reasons why an abdominal CT might be prescribed:
- Unexplained abdominal pain
- A prominent mass in your abdomen
- To check the size of suspected kidney stones
- Unexplained weight loss
- Inflammation of intestines
- Injuries/trauma
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The Advantages Of The Ct Scan
1. The CT is faster than the MRI . It is known to be used before an MRI when there is trauma or other acute injuries. MRIs can take up to two hours. The CT is the scan most likely used in the emergency room.
2. CT Scans are less sensitive to patients that are moving during the examination. They dont take as long so it makes them less sensitive. CT scans are better for patients with anxiety because of the minimum time required. Also better for people that have a fear of small places because of less time involved in the scans.
3. The CT Scans cost a lot less than an MRI. About half of what an MRI costs.
4. CT scans can be performed easier on patients with implants of medical devices such as pacemakers.
5. CT Scans are better for heavy people because it does not need a lot of position changing.
