Why Did My Doctor Order an MRI Instead of a CT Scan?

If you’re having unexplained pain or another troublesome symptom related to your internal organs or bodily systems, your doctor may order a magnetic resonance imaging test, or MRI. Our board-certified radiologists with REDI Diagnostics Corp in Elmwood Park, New Jersey, are the experts who perform MRIs, read the results, and report back to your physician. 

MRIs and CT scans are two important imaging tests that help doctors diagnose injuries and diseases. So, what’s the major difference between an MRI and a CT scan? Read on to find out.

Differences in MRIs and CT scans 

An MRI uses radio waves and a strong magnet to create images of the inside of your body. A CT scan, or computed tomography scan, is a high-level X-ray that provides 360-degree views of your body’s structures in more detail than a regular X-ray. 

Although modern X-rays and CT scans use less radiation than in the past, radiation is still a factor with the CT scan. On the other hand, MRIs use no radiation. 

While a CT scan does show images of tissues and organs as well as your skeleton, its X-ray doesn’t provide the same level of detail as an MRI. An MRI is the preferred test to detect soft tissue damage and inflammation. 

Why a doctor orders an MRI rather than a CT scan 

If your doctor thinks your health issue may stem from your soft tissue or internal organs, they may order an MRI. MRIs show the structure and condition of your soft tissue, nerves, and blood vessels in great detail. 

On the other hand, CT scans help diagnose and reveal bone fractures as well as stages of cancer. Your doctor likely ordered an MRI rather than a CT scan because he suspects a disorder listed below. 

Conditions an MRI can help diagnose 

MRIs are especially good at helping diagnose the following issues: 

• Cartilage thinning/wear and tear
• Joint inflammation
• Soft tissue injury, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage
• Compressed nerves 
• Spinal cord injuries 
• Brain tumors 
• Aneurysms
• Blood clots
• Stroke
• Conditions of and damage to your heart 

If your doctor orders an MRI with contrast, you receive an IV that contains the contrast material. This test helps detect inflammation, infection, tumors, and blood supply. 

An MRI can help provide more definitive information than an X-ray or CT scan. It helps your doctor determine whether surgery is needed now or can be deferred until a later date. 

If you have a metal implant in your body, it needs to be MRI-safe. Most implants are safe, but you need to list any metal in your body and review it with your technician before having the test done. 

Call REDI Diagnostics Corp or book an appointment online for your MRI.