However, a CT scanner provides benefits in nearly every other area of consideration, including: Takes much less time than MRI scans. CT scans are more affordable and accessible. Reduces risk of the patient experiencing claustrophobia and anxiety.
Claustrophobic patients may find a CT scan more comfortable, as they are shorter and less noisy than a MRI. CT scans are particularly good at imagining bones for accurate diagnosis of injury or disease. CT scans are less sensitive to patient movement during the procedure.
CT scanners are different from MRI scanners and use very little x-ray radiation, unlike MRI scanners. CT scanners are open on both sides, and you can completely see around yourself during a scan. Claustrophobic patients might welcome CT scans more because they don't have to be in an enclosed space.
For those who have claustrophobia or nervousness about getting an imaging test, closing your eyes can help you forget how close the scanner is to you. It can also help you relax and temporarily forget that you are getting an MRI or CT scan.
MRI Scan vs.
CT scans are quicker than an MRIs, taking 5 to 10 minutes depending on the area being scanned. Because the imaging is faster, the scanner is less sensitive to a patient's movements. A CT scanner is also quiet and open, making it an easier option for heavier people and those with claustrophobia.
A CT scan may be recommended if a patient can't have an MRI. People with metal implants, pacemakers or other implanted devices shouldn't have an MRI due to the powerful magnet inside the machine. CT scans create images of bones and soft tissues.
Both MRIs and CT scans can view internal body structures. However, a CT scan is faster and can provide pictures of tissues, organs, and skeletal structure. An MRI is highly adept at capturing images that help doctors determine if there are abnormal tissues within the body.
CT scans are not painful. But you will need to lie still for the entire scan, which may become unpleasant. Since the scanner is shaped like a donut, you will not be enclosed in the scanner at any time. You will hear whirring or clicking sounds from the machine.
When not properly accommodated during an MRI, claustrophobic patients may experience panic attacks, which can bring on increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, chills, sweating, and other distressing symptoms.
Most people who have claustrophobia are able to tolerate the MRI scan in the open, upright MRI machine. This is the structure of most MRI machines that can only perform the imaging studies with the patient lying on their back on a table that is moved into the core of the magnetic field where the images are captured.
CT scan machines are open, which helps prevent anxiety among patients who are concerned about being in closed spaces. Instead, it uses a doughnut-shaped structure called a gantry that circles around the patient.
Sedation – message after go-live
For most CT exams, sedation is not needed. It can be necessary for some longer exams that require a patient to be entirely motionless. If this is recommended, the doctor ordering the scan will talk with you prior to scheduling. We cannot administer sedation at our outpatient offices.
The table will be raised and moved so that the part of your body being examined is inside the CT scanner cylinder. You will be asked to close your eyes and place your arms on a pillow above your head as a laser is used to centre your body in the machine. Once your body is correctly positioned, you may open your eyes.
Feeling nervous or anxious before a CT scan is completely normal and understandable, primarily if you are being evaluated for a severe condition. Before your appointment, do whatever it takes to feel more relaxed and less anxious about the procedure.
During a CT scan, you lie in a tunnel-like machine while the inside of the machine rotates and takes a series of X-rays from different angles. These pictures are then sent to a computer, where they're combined to create images of slices, or cross-sections, of the body.
For patients who may experience claustrophobia during an MRI scan and require prophylaxis, the University of Wisconsin Department of Radiology suggests the use of Lorazepam (Ativan, Temesta), a short-to-intermediate duration benzodiazepine.
Ask your doctor for a sedative
Medication is often necessary if you're worried that claustrophobia could induce a panic attack during the MRI. If you know you'll need extra assistance with relaxation during an MRI, you can ask your doctor to prescribe a sedative to put you to sleep for your MRI scan.
Instead of a tube, an open MRI has scanners on the sides with an opening on top, making it an outstanding option for those who have claustrophobia. The patient lays comfortably on a platform while the scanners on the sides do all the work.
Typically a CT scan appointment will last approximately 15 minutes. For a CT scan with oral contrast, it could take up to 1 hour and 15 minutes. If you are receiving CT scan IV contrast, do not eat or drink 4 hours prior your exam. You may continue to drink water if you prefer.
You will need to take off all or most of your clothes, depending on which area is studied. You may be able to wear your underwear for some scans. You will be given a gown to use during the test.
How long does it take to get results? The results of the scan usually take 24 hours. A radiologist, a physician who specializes in reading and interpreting CT scan and other radiologic images, will review your scan and prepare a report that explains them.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration estimates that the extra risk of any one person developing a fatal cancer from a typical CT procedure is about 1 in 2,000. MRIs do not use ionizing radiation, so there is no issue of raising cancer risk. But they take much longer to complete than CTs.
The low doses of radiation used in CT scans have not been shown to cause long-term harm, although at much higher doses, there may be a small increase in your potential risk of cancer. CT scans have many benefits that outweigh any small potential risk.
However, due to the use of the strong magnet, MRI cannot be performed on patients with: Implanted pacemakers. Intracranial aneurysm clips. Cochlear implants.