While doctors seem like magicians sometimes, they don’t rely on magic to diagnose patients correctly.
Besides noting symptoms, they often order tests to confirm or rule out medical conditions. These include blood workups, analysis of body fluids, and diagnostic imaging tests.
X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, etc., all fall under diagnostic imaging. The wonderful thing about these tests is they’re usually painless and easy.
That said, if your physician orders an X-ray or MRI scan, you may wonder, “How are they different, and why do I need one?” Here, we’ll discuss an X-ray vs. MRI so that you’ll understand why your doctor requested them.
What Is an X-Ray?
Although medical shows have made diagnostic imaging familiar to viewers, there aren’t as many people who’ve had MRIs compared to those who have gotten X-rays.
You see, X-rays have been around for decades. They’re pretty helpful because they can aid with diagnosing, monitoring, and even treating many medical conditions.
Don’t worry if you’ve never had one before because most types are painless. There are no incisions involved. Some conditions that require an X-ray are fractures, tooth decay, respiratory illnesses, and so on.
When to Get an X-Ray?
It’s not really up to the patients to decide whether to get an X-ray or not. Doctors request one to check areas where a patient feels pain or discomfort. They could also ask the patients they’re monitoring to see how their condition has progressed (e.g., in the case of osteoporosis) or if their prescribed treatment is working.
For the most part, preparation is straightforward. You put on a hospital gown, remove any metallic items like jewelry, then the radiographer will take your X-ray. However, you may need to swallow a liquid or prepare for injection or enema for contrast radiography.
If your X-ray involves checking your gastrointestinal tract, you may also have to fast.
Are X-Rays Safe?
How do X-rays produce images? The answer is through minute amounts of radiation.
That sounds scary, but the levels are quite safe for adults. If you’re pregnant, though, you have to tell your doctor because exposure to the same levels of radiation might not be safe for your baby.
Also, not all patients react to the contrast material for contrast radiography in the same way. Sometimes, they could experience an allergic reaction. For severe cases, the radiographer will be sure to contact your doctor STAT.
If everything’s okay, you can resume normal activities while waiting for your results. The radiologist will interpret the images, which your doctor will read and use for prescribing treatment or ordering more tests.
What Is an MRI?
If X-rays use radiation, then MRI or magnetic resonance imaging uses radio waves, strong magnetic fields, and gradients. It’s also non-invasive and can be used for examining the brain and spinal cord.
Besides the head, MRI scans help check abnormalities in various body parts–from breasts to joints to the uterus, and so on.
Like X-rays, MRI scans don’t require a lot of preparation. Of course, metal objects aren’t allowed since the machine is basically a giant magnet. Even medical devices aren’t allowed, including pacemakers and ear implants.
The one thing that might make you hesitate is the chamber, which is an enclosed space. If you’re claustrophobic, inform your doctor. You may have to take medication before undergoing the procedure.
More on MRI Scans
Do patients take a contrast medium for MRI? Not all the time, but if there’s a need for the specialist to examine a specific site or tissue, then yes, a contrast liquid injection will be prepared for the patient.
Another thing to note about MRIs is the use of earplugs and headphones. Because the machines make loud noises, children and other anxious patients could use these aids to block out the sounds.
Staying still is also super important. Movement can result in blurry images, which would be a waste since MRIs are one of the most expensive diagnostic imaging tests.
X-Ray vs. MRI: So, What’s the Difference?
You know that X-rays use ionizing radiation, while MRIs use radio waves and magnetic fields. You also understand that MRIs tend to be more expensive than X-rays, but what other differences are there?
Compared to X-rays or CT scans, MRI scans are the go-to of doctors who need clearer images. They haven’t made X-rays obsolete, though, because X-rays are still more accessible.
For rapid diagnosis of injuries or masses, X-rays do the job well. Plus, the procedure doesn’t take longer than 10 minutes. Don’t forget that an MRI scan could last for an hour.
As for pregnant patients, MRIs are safer, but they’re still not recommended during the first trimester. It’s best to ask your doctor who can help you weigh the benefits against the risks.
Bonus: What About CT Scans?
If you’re a fan of medical shows, you’ll notice that the doctor often orders a computed tomography or CT scan for emergencies.
That’s because CT scans are great for spotting blood clots, bone fractures that aren’t visible on an X-ray, and organ injuries.
For patients that cannot get an MRI, CT scans are the next best option. If you or a loved one need any diagnostic imaging, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor why they have recommended a particular test. You can also consult a radiologist if you want more in-depth answers.
Do You Need an X-Ray or MRI?
If your doctor orders an X-ray or MRI scan, you now know what to expect from these diagnostic imaging tests.
However, if you still have X-ray vs. MRI questions, you can always ask your doctor to provide you with more information. There are also online resources that can help answer your questions.
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