What’s the difference between an MRI scan and a CT scan?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses magnets, radio waves and a computer to create images of the inside of your body, whereas computed tomography (CT) uses X-rays and computers.
Healthcare providers often prefer to use MRI scans instead of CT scans to look at the non-bony parts or soft tissues inside your body.
MRI scans are also safer since they don’t use the damaging ionizing radiation of X-rays.
MRI scans also take much clearer pictures of your brain, spinal cord, nerves, muscles, ligaments and tendons than regular X-rays and CT scans.
However, not everyone can undergo an MRI.
The magnetic field of MRI can displace metal implants or affect the function of devices such as pacemakers and insulin pumps.
If this is the case, a CT scan is the next best option.
MRI scanning is usually more expensive than X-ray imaging or CT scanning.
