Whats the difference between a CT scan and an MRI scan?

[fio2]

As you know my daughter has special needs and as of yet we have no diagnosis. She has had various tests including a CT scan of her brain. We have since been advised to ask for an MRI scan of her brain as it more detailed. Is this true? I really havent got a clue about such things and just someone on here may know. I dont really want her to have to have another scan if it is not necessary (although I do accept she will need another brain scan at some time in the future) Thanks in advance

does nobody know the difference? oh poo!

CT scans rotate around the patient taking pics of individual slices,these are 3d images but are a bit like x rays in that they dont distinguish soft tissue very well MRI scans are done using a magnetic field which is much more detailed and usually can give a definite diagnosis and they distinguish hard(BONE)and soft(organs etc)tissueThey are both painless and the MRI is safer to have done more than once I think

A CT scan uses x-rays to produce images of the body. An MRI scan uses magnets to produce the images. My dd had an MRI of her head/eye when she was a baby. The child has to lie very still and go inside the scanner - it looks like a sort of tunnel. The machine is very noisy when it's on, a sort of loud thud, thud, thud. The patient has to lie completely still for the pictures to come out properly. Sometimes they sedate children who are having MRI scans to make sure they stay still enough.

IMO it would be preferable to have an MRI. With the CT scan you are exposing the kid to x-rays and the risks associated with that. MRI doesn't use radiation and is safer.

Just a little addition to these descriptions as I've had both done. The CT scan is lovely and quiet and relatively quick. The MRI is bloody noisy and seems to go on forever. I've often wondered how a child would cope with it.

They usually sedate children. Ds2 had an mri done at about 20 months old, and dd1 had one at 9 weeks.

Thanks everyone I think I should insist on her having an MRI scan after reading those links that Sparks put up. I had sort of guessed she would have to be sedated as she had to be sedated for the CT scan she had.

I just really wanted to know whether it was worth her having the MRI after already having a CT scan. So Thanks ladies