regime
12-03-2003, 06:03 PM
are mri's and ct scans the same? whats the difference between them?
has anyone had an mri before? how is it? they are sceduling one for me soon, actually not soon lol it takes 2 months to get an appointment :-(
has anyone had an mri before? how is it? they are sceduling one for me soon, actually not soon lol it takes 2 months to get an appointment :-(
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catt143
12-03-2003, 09:31 PM
I just had an MRI of the brain. It's a longer procedure than a CAT Scan. You can't move. You are in a closed in area. I had an open MRI but it was still close to my face and can be claustophopic but I could look out if I chose. I decided to keep my eyes closed. It took about 15 minutes. there is alot of noise but I thought of it as neat little rythmns to take away my fear. Be strong - you can do it. Its not so bad. Just close your eyes. 2 months is a bit of a long time but at least once you get it done you will know the results. Best of luck!
philly03
12-05-2003, 05:34 PM
I have had both (several times)! CAT scans use X-rays to scan the body... whereas MRI uses a high magnetic field and radio waves. MRI has better intrinsic contrast compared to CT - the object that is in question may show differently on an MRI. What are you getting an MRI of? There really is nothing to be anxious about. I have had a brain MRI- most facilities have open MRIs where there is a plastic device that surrounds your head- which may bother some people but close your eyes and try not to think about where you are. Good luck with it!
gillian30
12-06-2003, 03:58 PM
I've also had both many times. I had an MRI of the brain, one "open" (not really as open as you would think, and not as good for getting results) and one closed, and an MRI of the entire spine. The brain was easier because they didn't have to put me all the way in the tube, just enough so that the head is in the mid section of the tube. I could tilt my head slightly down and see my feet and the open space, which made things easier.
An MRI will last 15 to 45 minutes, and makes alot of noise. It is totally painless, so don't worry. There is no radiation, either. You may have one with contrast, which means you'll have an injection given half way through the MRI. Don't worry about this either, the chances of an allergic reaction to this type of injection are practically none.
The CT Scan may also come with an injection, and the chances of an allergic reaction there are slightly higher and more common, but still very low. It's a quicker procedure, usually 5 to 15 minutes, less noisy, and uses radiation. Also painless.
You have nothing to worry about with either procedure. Both are non-invasive, both are completely painless. The main problem people have with these is their fear of closed in spaces, and that won't be as big a deal as you may think. Good luck!
An MRI will last 15 to 45 minutes, and makes alot of noise. It is totally painless, so don't worry. There is no radiation, either. You may have one with contrast, which means you'll have an injection given half way through the MRI. Don't worry about this either, the chances of an allergic reaction to this type of injection are practically none.
The CT Scan may also come with an injection, and the chances of an allergic reaction there are slightly higher and more common, but still very low. It's a quicker procedure, usually 5 to 15 minutes, less noisy, and uses radiation. Also painless.
You have nothing to worry about with either procedure. Both are non-invasive, both are completely painless. The main problem people have with these is their fear of closed in spaces, and that won't be as big a deal as you may think. Good luck!
upshutter17
12-09-2003, 12:33 AM
A CT is like a huge donut with an open end. A CT is basically a fancy X Ray. A MRI is like a long tube. Usually if you're claustrophobic, you are sedated with MRI. MRI Magnetic Resonance Imaging...so no metal! It's basically a huge magnet. Lasts approximately 20-30 minutes. Both can be with or without contrast (Dye/Iodine). They are both completely painless, but noisy. You shouldn't worry about the exams. Good luck.
Upshutter
Upshutter
snowmelts
12-09-2003, 02:02 AM
I've never had a Cat scan.
I had a Brain MRI w/contrast on Friday.
It was exactly as described by others (Yep I kept my eyes closed too) They put ear muffs on you to protect your ears from the sound. They do place a cage over your face.. sort of like a catchers mask in baseball, but definately much more open space between the ribs of the cage. Once the cage is in place they slide just your head into the tunnel. ½ through they slide you out and give the injection in your hand and they slide you back in. you can see out if you look down but I closed my eyes.
ABOUT the Injection. .... I was worried about it. I am allergic to artifical color (dye) and all kinds of things but it did not bother me one little bit. Whole thing was piece of cake.
**Don't worry, you'll be fine**
I'd suggest avoiding taking any type of water pills or any type of laxative that day and be sure to use the rest room first since it does take a continuous 45 min.
When it was done they asked me to wait an extra ten min and they gave me a complimentary CD of the pics from the MRI. COOL. I came home an popped it into my computer. Now I have proof there is more than Swiss Cheese between my ears. :jester:
I have also had and open MRI of my lumbar Spine 4 years ago and the machine was not a tunnel but rather it was.. like a sandwhich maker would be.. I was the sandwhich and it was above and below me but competely open on 3 sides. I laid on the bottom and they lowered the top half. I took a nap during that one. (I can't hear so sound has no effect on me)
10 years ago I took a full MRI of my spine in a long very closed up tube. but was alright but I'm glad things have improved.
I had a Brain MRI w/contrast on Friday.
It was exactly as described by others (Yep I kept my eyes closed too) They put ear muffs on you to protect your ears from the sound. They do place a cage over your face.. sort of like a catchers mask in baseball, but definately much more open space between the ribs of the cage. Once the cage is in place they slide just your head into the tunnel. ½ through they slide you out and give the injection in your hand and they slide you back in. you can see out if you look down but I closed my eyes.
ABOUT the Injection. .... I was worried about it. I am allergic to artifical color (dye) and all kinds of things but it did not bother me one little bit. Whole thing was piece of cake.
**Don't worry, you'll be fine**
I'd suggest avoiding taking any type of water pills or any type of laxative that day and be sure to use the rest room first since it does take a continuous 45 min.
When it was done they asked me to wait an extra ten min and they gave me a complimentary CD of the pics from the MRI. COOL. I came home an popped it into my computer. Now I have proof there is more than Swiss Cheese between my ears. :jester:
I have also had and open MRI of my lumbar Spine 4 years ago and the machine was not a tunnel but rather it was.. like a sandwhich maker would be.. I was the sandwhich and it was above and below me but competely open on 3 sides. I laid on the bottom and they lowered the top half. I took a nap during that one. (I can't hear so sound has no effect on me)
10 years ago I took a full MRI of my spine in a long very closed up tube. but was alright but I'm glad things have improved.
mjmaciver
12-12-2003, 10:06 PM
Just another interesting point, the results of an MRI are much more detailed and exact as a opposed to a CT. the results from an MRI show a complete 3-d picture of the area that the doctor can rotate to look at every aspect of what is injured, a CT is a number of separate, 2-d pictures from different angles.
bluebanana
12-16-2003, 09:40 PM
Actually, CT can do reconstructions and produce 3d images of the body in just the same way as MRI. MRI provides a lot more information on the soft tissue structures than CT, and has no radiation dose. Sorry to argue!
VeryConcernedMom
12-16-2003, 10:43 PM
I also have recently had both types of MRI (open & closed) of both the brain and spine. Gillian30 and Upshutter17 covered the description of what it is pretty well, so I won't rehash. You might want to contact the imaging center before you go in to see if you can bring along a favorite CD or tape...Most places will pipe in music for you over the intercom. Also, if you are clausterphobic or nervous the tech will check on you frequently via the intercom to make sure you are ok.
Good Luck!
Good Luck!
grracne
01-04-2004, 06:32 AM
i had one when i was about 5 years old, basically you get put into a little machine surrounding and it takes pictures of your brain, and you CANNOT move or you screw it up, and basically they gave me a drink that made me groggy (is that how you spell it? =]) but I got through it, and I was scared :PP