MRI & CT Scan Test Archives - Afriglobal Medicare | Best Medical diagnostics centre in Nigeria

CT VS MRI SCAN – WHICH IS BEST FOR YOUR BRAIN IMAGING NEEDS?

Admin — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 13:58:51 +0000

Overview

CT(computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans are two of the most common imaging tests used to detect medical disorders in the body. And although both scans are similar in many ways, they use different techniques to produce their result.

While a CT scan uses multiple x-rays, taken at different angles, to produce cross-sectional imaging, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses magnetic fields and radio frequencies.

Because of their different techniques, the answer to which imaging modality is better for the brain depends on the examination’s purpose.

Why one might need a CT or MRI scan of their brain

Brain scans produce detailed images of the brain. They are helpful in helping doctors detect and diagnose conditions, such as tumours, causes of a stroke, or vascular dementia.

Deciding which to go for

The choice of which scan is appropriate for a patient depends on several factors, such as how quickly it is necessary to obtain the scan, the part of the head to be examined, and the patient’s age, among other considerations.

Human head scan, x-ray.

Other differences to note between the two scans that a doctor considers before making a recommendation of one over the other include:

	CT Scan	MRI
1.	A CT takes lesser time to conduct, making it the best in cases of trauma and other acute neurological emergencies.	MRI is best when the images need to be very detailed, e.g, when looking for cancer, causes of dementia, neurological diseases, or looking at places where bones might interfere.
2.	CT is cheaper than MRI and less sensitive to patient motion making it the better choice for claustrophobic or overweight patients.	MRI does not use ionizing radiation, making it the preference for children and patients requiring multiple imaging examinations.
3.	CT allows accurate detection of calcification and metal foreign bodies.	MRI has a much greater range of available soft tissue contrast and depicts anatomy in greater detail.
4.	CT poses no risk to the patient with implantable medical devices, such as cardiac pacemakers, ferromagnetic vascular clips, e.t.c.	MRI can pose a risk heating to patients with implants, and obscure information.

Preparing for your scan

There is no special preparation for both scans beyond the fact that you’ll need to remove anything that contains metal, including jewellery and hairpins, on you. Also, you’ll need to keep still during the scan so that the images come out clear.

Note: A dye may be injected into you if conducting an MRI. The dye allows the MRI scanner to see your brain in detail.

Does any of the scans put me at risk?

No.

Both

CT VS MRI SCAN – WHICH IS BEST FOR YOUR BRAIN IMAGING NEEDS? scans are safe medical procedures. And although CT exposes you to radiation, the scanners are designed not to expose you to very high radiation levels. Also, your doctor will always weigh the benefits and risks of a CT scan before advising you to have one.

How to book your scan

To book your MRI or CT scans with us, please send us a message here,

or walk into any of our health centres near you.

The post CT VS MRI SCAN – WHICH IS BEST FOR YOUR BRAIN IMAGING NEEDS? appeared first on Afriglobal Medicare | Best Medical diagnostics centre in Nigeria.

IMAGING TESTS: THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A CT SCAN AND AN MRI.

Admin — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 09:11:11 +0000

What are imaging tests?

Imaging tests are non-invasive, painless, powerful medical tools that capture the body’s internal parts.

They provide images of tissues and organs in detail, allowing doctors to detect and determine medical conditions and possible solutions.

Usually, a doctor recommends the imaging test a patient carries out based on the patient’s symptoms and the test’s intended use. Also, depending on the clarity needed, more than one imaging test may be recommended to allow for an adequate internal investigation.

Smiling young nurse looking at patient lying on examination table. Female radiologist is preparing senior man for CAT scan. They are at hospital.

The differences between MRI & CT Scan

Although both an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and a CT (computed tomography) scan exist to achieve the same purposes, how they do so is different.

A CT scan uses x-rays taken at different angles to produce a detailed image of a particular body section. On the other hand, an MRI uses radio waves and an electromagnetic field to deliver clear images of the structures in the body.

Other differences between the two imaging tests can be found in the table below.

	MRI	CT Scan
1.	Patients are exposed to radiation, which can increase cancer risk and other health challenges.	It does not expose patients to radiation.
2.	Better suited for producing images of soft tissues, tendons, brain, spine, joint, and ligaments.	Better suited for imaging bones, blood vessels, and hard tissues.
3.	It is more expensive.	It is cheaper.
4.	Not advised for people with implants, pacemakers, etc., as the radio waves may heat implants and cause damage.	Can be carried out on anyone.
5.	The procedure is noisy and can be tasking for someone that is noise sensitive and claustrophobic.	The machine is relatively quiet.
6.	It is time expensive and can take anywhere from 20-45 minutes, depending on the photographed body part.	It is faster and often completed in no more than 10 minutes.

How do doctors decide which imaging test to recommend to a patient?

As mentioned above, your doctor will determine what imaging test to recommend based on your symptoms, prognosis, and existing medical conditions (if you have any).

Thus, a CT scan is more appropriate for patients who cannot hold still or harm themselves when claustrophobic. Also, when a tumor prognosis, brain injury or cancers such as prostate or uterine cancer are suspected, doctors usually recommend an MRI as they allow for easy detection of these conditions.

In summary, choosing the proper imaging test for a patient depends on the following

The medical reason for the scan.
The level of detail that is necessary for the images.
The medical conditions of the patient.

Where to carry out an imaging test

Please schedule an appointment with us here if you ever need to carry out an MRI or a CT scan.

You may also call us on 016291000 or 016290998 or walk into any Afriglobal Medicare test centre near you for all your diagnostics need and assistance.

Till next time, read more of our blogs here.

The post IMAGING TESTS: THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A CT SCAN AND AN MRI. appeared first on Afriglobal Medicare | Best Medical diagnostics centre in Nigeria.