When they are about to undergo an examination, patients are perplexed - which is more harmful: CT or MRI. These are types of hardware diagnostics created to study deviations within each individual human organ. Both devices are based on radiological processes that allow you to see what is hidden from human eyes.
The evolution of hardware: why is x-ray in the past?
The advent of the X-ray device was a real shock to humanity. Doctors could accurately determine whether the body is healthy, whether it needs medical intervention or not. A two-dimensional device has a number of its drawbacks, which is why it has long gone into the past:
- Images may display organs that “overlap” one another.
- The x-ray does not show such formations as a hernia or an inflammatory process.
As a result, scientists have created new equipment that will "see" a person from the inside, but at the same time show deviations in the soft tissues, and not just on the skeleton. Researchers at the Institute of Oncology took up the development, and the final result was presented to the world by Raymond Damadyan.
What is the difference between two types of tomography - resonance and computed?
CT - computed tomography, which is based on the use of x-rays. They do not pass through the body, as in the case of a conventional x-ray, but focus on individual areas. On the film, the data is clearly visible. A two-dimensional image can appear voluminous if you specify the characteristics in the computer. To understand what is more harmful - CT or MRI, we will understand the principles of operation of both devices.
- CT is performed by means of an annular contour plate. Inside the contours is a couch. A series of shots are taken by these points at different angles. The picture is displayed on the computer monitor after receiving all the data. The 3D image can be viewed in section, which gives the doctor a special perspective, not able to hide the details of the disease. Each organ is scanned up to 1 mm thick. Such a system increases the accuracy of the diagnosis.
- MRI - magnetic resonance imaging works on the same principle, only the ideology of obtaining images is somewhat different. An array of data is obtained from the design and modeling of individual parts of the body. In contrast to CT, MRI forms a different wave nature: electromagnetic.
Both devices give a three-dimensional image, but MRI is used for a detailed study (without system settings) of individual parts of the body. But there is a more significant difference.
The fundamental difference between the systems: which is less harmful - MRI or CT?
The main differences are that each method is uniquely suited for identifying specific lesions. The radiation of a separate apparatus allows it to be used for special cases, and CT is used for:
- study of bones and teeth;
- joint damage examinations;
- diagnosis of the nature of the injury ("fresh" bleeding is clearly visible);
- studies of the spine, hernias, osteoporosis;
- brain studies;
- examination of the chest cavity;
- examination of hollow organs;
- the study of blood vessels.
This is an almost universal diagnostic method, but its disadvantage is that it is often impossible to undergo research.
MRI has a slightly different effect on the body - through waves, where protons pass through parts of the body without causing any harm. This type of examination is not contraindicated even for children.
What is MRI used for?
MRI perfectly "sees" soft tissues, in contrast to an apparatus based on an X-ray method. Joints and blood vessels are viewed in section, tumors can be viewed from all sides, the structure of neurons and brain cells can be increased to the maximum possible size. Neurological diseases that could only be established by prolonged observation are now diagnosed within 40 minutes.
Therefore, if you answer a specific question, which is more harmful: CT or MRI, you should give preference to the second in a positive context. Due to its nature, MRI is easier for a child or an elderly person to examine the same organ several times. X-ray and CT are identical, only the innovation of data transmission is different. MRI is easier to use and interpret.
Disadvantages of hardware research: when CT and MRI are contraindicated
To summarize, then CT is prescribed for injuries, and MRI to obtain details about tumors, inflammatory processes. Contraindications exist for both systems, regardless of whether it is more harmful - CT or MRI. For clarity, we compare the exclusion factors in the table.
| Contraindications | Forbidden | Allowed |
| Pregnant women | It is not advisable to use CT, as the waves can affect the fetal brain negatively. Nursing women are advised to refrain from lactation for 24 hours after the procedure. | It is not forbidden to women in position and during lactation, but everyone should remember about the absence of metal objects. |
| For children | CT is prescribed for children only when other studies are impossible, but in some cases this diagnostic method is prohibited. | An unlimited number of times an MRI scan is acceptable. If the child has staples, braces are allowed before the examination. The remaining metal objects must be removed. |
| Failure | You can not do CT scan for people suffering from kidney failure, myeloma, diabetes mellitus, thyroid diseases. | Heart failure, which was diagnosed and treated partially or completely by installing insulin and coronary pumps, is the basis for the prohibition of MRI. |
Those people who suffer from claustrophobia can use the open valve service - this is a device that can raise the dome of the device above a person so that he is not afraid. In a confined space can not be people suffering from this phobia. The diagnostician should be warned in advance about this point. In general, if you compare several options for examinations, then you can easily answer the question regarding what is more harmful - CT, or MRI, or X-ray.
Information and safety: what to choose when passing the examination
CT provides high accuracy with bone damage, the study of internal organs. MRI is indispensable in the diagnosis of soft tissue. Both devices interact, they can not do without each other. Although they are used to study the internal "world" of a person, doctors consider CT to be more informative. The procedure is not complete without radiation, although the smallest dosage is calculated.
Regarding the safety of the procedure, what is more harmful for the body - MRI or CT? When working with an X-ray analog, a person receives a six-month dose of rays in 10 minutes. With magnetic resonance imaging, this does not happen at all.
What is more harmful: CT or MRI of the brain? We conduct a comparative analysis of studies
The human head consists of hard and soft tissues. Here is the point of beginning of the central nervous system, the important organs that are responsible for all the reproductive, physiological and genetic viability of a person.
- A CT scan of the head is performed exclusively to study the cerebral cortex, the skeleton of the skull and to check for injuries.
- MRI examines everything inside. This is a gold mine that sees right through a person.
Computed tomography produces a somewhat inaccurate result, since the brain is composed of almost 98% soft tissues. It is more rational to use magnetic resonance diagnostics to obtain accurate data. If in doubt, it is better to consult a doctor and find out which is more harmful - MRI or CT of the head in your particular case.
To summarize
For what each of these devices is intended, it has already been clarified, but what is more harmful - CT or MRI, the diagnostic doctor decides. Only he, having studied the medical record of the patient, can accurately prescribe the procedure. Both methods still inseparably need to be improved, to increase the level of security and information content. Today, MRI is almost always prescribed to detect "non-urgent" diseases. CT is a quick diagnosis method.