The development of diagnostic medicine currently allows you to establish a disease or pathology in the very initial stage. This applies even to such a complex system of the human body as the human brain. The principle of layer-by-layer scanning is based on the methods of CT and MRI brain studies. This is their main similarity. Let's find out what is the difference between CT and MRI of the brain, and also what is more effective and more accurate than MRI or CT.
The difference between MRI and CT of the brain
If to speak in general, then between the diagnosis of the brain by CT and MRI there is a fundamental difference, consisting in:
- technology of the device;
- the degree of sensitivity of the device.
The action of the computer tomograph is based on x-ray radiation, directed at the tissue, giving an idea of the physical state of the substance, its density. CT - the device rotates around the main axis - the body of the patient, reproducing the image of the organ being removed (in this case, the brain) in different projections. Sections obtained during the survey are summarized, processed on a computer, and the final result is given, which is interpreted by a specialist in the field.
MRI differs in that the work of the device involved a fairly powerful magnetic fields. By acting on hydrogen atoms, they align these particles parallel to the direction of the magnetic field. The radio-frequency pulse produced by the device is perpendicular to the magnetic field, the vibrations of the cells resonate, and this is what makes it possible to arrange multilayer images. Modern MR scanners have an open design, which is especially important for patients suffering from claustrophobia.
Indications for the appointment of CT and MRI of the brain
For patients who are assigned to the procedure for brain examination, the question is very significant: what is better than an MRI or CT scan? Consider both diagnostic procedures from the position of a medical specialist.
Using MRI, it is better to study soft tissues (muscles, blood vessels, brain, intervertebral disks), and CT is more effective for studying dense tissues (bones).
MRI is preferable for:
- pathologies of the membranes of the brain;
- soft tissue lesions;
- suspicion of swelling;
- inflammation of the brain tissue as a result of a stroke , sclerosis, etc .;
- negative changes in the intracranial nerves, pituitary gland.
MRI is also prescribed for intolerance to radiopaque substances, which is involved in computed tomography. A significant plus of MRI is that there is no radiation in the study. This is what makes the procedure safe for pregnant women (except for the first trimester) and lactating women, as well as children of early and preschool age.
At the same time, MRI is contraindicated in individuals who have metal plates, implants, spirals, etc.
CT provides more accurate information in diagnosing:
- atherosclerotic changes in the vascular system;
- aneurysms ;
- lesions of cranial bones, paranasal sinuses, facial skeleton;
- traumas of the cranium affecting the structures of the brain.
If we consider both procedures from a time perspective, a CT scan of one part of the body lasts for 10 minutes, while an MRI scan takes about 30 minutes.
There is a difference in the cost of research. Computer tomography of the brain is much cheaper, and the fee for magnetic resonance imaging, respectively, is higher. Moreover, the more perfect and expensive the MRI device is, the higher the quality of the pictures, the more money it is necessary to pay for the procedure of the survey.