Difference between an MRI and a CT?

[Wilburis]

Hi

What is the difference between a brain MRI and a brain CT scan?

x

[Fishmanpa]

A CT uses radiation (like an enhanced x-ray) and an MRI uses magnetic fields to produce images. A MRI can show soft tissue and is typically more accurate. In the case of a brain scan, both will show obvious abnormalities.

Positive thoughts

[Wilburis]

Thank you.

So why don't people just get MRI's then if they are more accurate?

x

[Fishmanpa]

Thank you.

So why don't people just get MRI's then if they are more accurate?

x

Depends on the situation. Being that breasts are made up of soft tissue, a breast scan would warrant a MRI in certain instances if the mammogram showed something questionable. Also, being that an MRI is associated with more false positive results, it's typically a 2nd line of testing. A full body CT scan, like what my wife had looking for the cause of her encephalitis, was suitable and showed the tumor on her thymus gland. Make sense?

Positive thoughts

[Wilburis]

Thank you again.

xx