Alternatives to MRI depend on the medical condition under investigation, but could include: x-ray examination. computed tomography (CT), an X-ray scan. ultrasound.
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.
Advantages of CT Scans
Because this procedure produces results so much faster than an MRI, it is doctors' preferred choice for a scanner for making a diagnosis in an emergency.
The open, upright MRI machine is much better tolerated by patients who are claustrophobic. The scans can be performed with the patient sitting, lying down, or standing. People can watch television while the scans are performed. The unit is open in the front, back, and top.
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. Claustrophobia is a very common condition, affecting as much as 5% of the population.
Dexmedetomidine acts on the alpha-2 receptor to produce a natural sleep-like condition [4], and is thus used for MRI sedation in patients with claustrophobia [5,6].
MRI and CT scans use different technology to create diagnostic images of your body. MRI uses radio waves, while CT uses X-rays. CT scans are used to diagnose different conditions than MRI scans. For example, if you had a suspected fracture, a CT scan is more suitable for finding the problem.
January 19, 2023 - Published in Radiology, a study from the NYU Gross School of Medicine and Meta AI Research found that artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to reconstruct magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans faster than standard methods, leading to improved access and shorter wait times.
The underlying technology used to scan your whole body can be computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Both techniques—MRI and CT scans—can view the inside of your body. A CT scan is usually faster, but MRI images are more detailed.
However, it must be noted that Ultrasound has considerable advantages over MRI. In general terms it is quicker and more easily accessible, especially as more and more sonographers and radiologists subspecialise in MSK Ultrasound. In the right hands Ultrasound can be an invaluable tool.
When To Get an MRI. While ultrasound can produce dynamic images of the soft tissues in your musculoskeletal system, there are instances that call for an MRI. For example, an ultrasound cannot show actual structures, only soft tissues.
An MRI machine uses powerful magnets that can attract any metal in your body. If this happens, you could get hurt. It can also damage equipment that's implanted in your body -- a pacemaker or cochlear implant, for instance. Also, metal can reduce the quality of the MRI image.
Overall, myelography is a very safe procedure that is well tolerated in most people. While it has fallen out of favor because of the ease of MRI, myelography still remains a valuable tool in assessing patients with back pain.
A CT scan is better for showing bone and joint issues, blood clots, and some organ injuries, while an MRI is better for inflammation, torn ligaments, nerve and spinal problems, and soft tissues. Beyond accuracy, patient comfort is also a variable your doctor will keep in mind.
The magnetic fields that change with time create loud knocking noises which may harm hearing if adequate ear protection is not used. They may also cause peripheral muscle or nerve stimulation that may feel like a twitching sensation. The radiofrequency energy used during the MRI scan could lead to heating of the body.
You will be in constant communication with the MRI technicians and you can stop the scan at any time. We have a fan in case you get warm, blankets in case you are cool and bolstering pillows to help you stay comfortable during a long scan.
How long does an MRI scan take? A single scan may take a few seconds or 3 to 8 minutes. You may be asked to hold your breath during short scans. The total scan lasts 15 to 90 minutes, depending on the size of the area being scanned and how many images are needed.
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.
A CT scan can show whether you have a tumor—and, if you do, where it's located and how big it is. CT scans can also show the blood vessels that are feeding the tumor. Your care team may use these images to see whether the cancer has spread to other parts of your body, such as the lungs or liver.
MRI is very good at zeroing in on some kinds of cancers. By looking at your body with MRI, doctors may be able to see if a tumor is benign or cancerous.
Sedation for diagnostic services conjures up images of pain and discomfort. MRI sedation is used during an MRI for patients who cannot remain still in the scanner due to problems such as anxiety, claustrophobia, or a condition that causes physical discomfort.
If you are claustrophobic and think you might not be able to proceed with the scan, advise your doctor or the clinic when making your appointment. Sedative (calming) medication can be given. If this happens, you will not be able to leave the clinic until you are fully awake and someone else will need to drive you home.