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What is the difference between an MRI and a Cat Scan?
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Re: What is the difference between an MRI and a Cat Scan?
MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to provide pictures of organs and structures inside the body. In many cases, MRI provides information that cannot be obtained from an X-ray, ultrasound, or CT scan.
CT Scan
A computed tomography (CT) scan is a special type of X-ray that can produce detailed pictures of structures inside the body. A CT scan is also called a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan.
A CT scanner directs a series of X-rays through the body that are analyzed by a computer to produce a detailed picture of a 'slice' of an organ or area being studied. Each X-ray pulse lasts only a fraction of a second, and it takes only a few seconds for the machine to record each slice. A CT scan produces clearer pictures of internal organs (such as the liver) than regular X-rays do. Information from a CT scan can be saved and stored on a computer for further study. Photographs of selected views can also be made.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to provide pictures of organs and structures inside the body. In many cases, MRI provides information that cannot be obtained from an X-ray, ultrasound, or CT scan.
CT Scan
A computed tomography (CT) scan is a special type of X-ray that can produce detailed pictures of structures inside the body. A CT scan is also called a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan.
A CT scanner directs a series of X-rays through the body that are analyzed by a computer to produce a detailed picture of a 'slice' of an organ or area being studied. Each X-ray pulse lasts only a fraction of a second, and it takes only a few seconds for the machine to record each slice. A CT scan produces clearer pictures of internal organs (such as the liver) than regular X-rays do. Information from a CT scan can be saved and stored on a computer for further study. Photographs of selected views can also be made.
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Re: What is the difference between an MRI and a Cat Scan?
I have had a number of both done to me. MRI's take forever and it feels like you are in a coffin! The open MRI feels even more like one because its square.
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Re: What is the difference between an MRI and a Cat Scan?
I have had both. I HATE CT SCANS! I had stomach pain and they thought it may have been my appendix. Well the only way to see anything in a CT scan related to your digestive tract is to make you drink contrast. Which tastes GROSS 
And it goes right through you (if ya know what I mean!)
an MRI is much more relaxing, you could actualy fall asleep in there. It's only bad if you are claustophobic.
And it goes right through you (if ya know what I mean!)
an MRI is much more relaxing, you could actualy fall asleep in there. It's only bad if you are claustophobic.
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Re: What is the difference between an MRI and a Cat Scan?
I had an Upper GI done on my digestive tract. I drank that Barlium (sp) that was chalk but wet nasty on an empty stomache. ICK
I've had MRI's done on my knee and my shoulder. You have to stay VERY VERY still. Even though Im normally a spaz, I pull that off perfectly. 35mins for my knee, 30mins for my shoulder. Time flew by. Got my headsets on and just day dreamed the time away trying not to think about not moving.
The Open MRI was strange for my shoulder. I kept thinking how heavy this thing is and that nothing's really supporting it on either side of me. It's almost right above my nose. You automatically start thinking your gonna be squished. And of COURSE i got an itch on my nose I couldnt scratch! Only thing was I could move my feet so I kept waveing my toes and feet until I noticed they were laughing at me. (This place didnt provide headsets and the music sucked)
The Open MRI for my knee I was sorta half reclining. Wasn't so bad. I spent that reading a book they let me bring in.
The closed MRI for my knee.. it was COLD AS CRAP and I barely fit in the tube.
ME!! barely fit. I am NOT a large woman by any means but I felt squished in. I had to lay flat and they had me slide in feet first. My other leg kept snagging the edge of the wall. I hated it. But I had the headsets so I guess it was ok.
I've had MRI's done on my knee and my shoulder. You have to stay VERY VERY still. Even though Im normally a spaz, I pull that off perfectly. 35mins for my knee, 30mins for my shoulder. Time flew by. Got my headsets on and just day dreamed the time away trying not to think about not moving.
The Open MRI was strange for my shoulder. I kept thinking how heavy this thing is and that nothing's really supporting it on either side of me. It's almost right above my nose. You automatically start thinking your gonna be squished. And of COURSE i got an itch on my nose I couldnt scratch! Only thing was I could move my feet so I kept waveing my toes and feet until I noticed they were laughing at me. (This place didnt provide headsets and the music sucked)
The Open MRI for my knee I was sorta half reclining. Wasn't so bad. I spent that reading a book they let me bring in.
The closed MRI for my knee.. it was COLD AS CRAP and I barely fit in the tube.
ME!! barely fit. I am NOT a large woman by any means but I felt squished in. I had to lay flat and they had me slide in feet first. My other leg kept snagging the edge of the wall. I hated it. But I had the headsets so I guess it was ok.
