which is preferable for a sinus scan, mri or ct. I have been ordered a mri but have read that ct's are more equpt to detecting sinus than an MRI.. As I'm claustrophibic would this be better for me.

Ctscan's are better at seeing the sinuses directly and yes it is better for your anxiety.

Halls

I had a CAT scan - That's how they found my sinus infection.

CT scans are supposedly the best, and I have heard that MRI's actually sometimes "over diagnose" sinsusitis which is why some doctors prefer the CT scan.

I had a CT scan, that supposedly wasn't that bad. The ENT was only going to operate on an enlarged turbinate because the CT didn't show much sinus inflamation. Only at the insistance of myself and my allergist did he open up the my maxilary sinus to "just enlarge the opening and take a look" He ended up cleaning a lot of gunk out. The nurse even commented to me that I would be feeling a whole lot better now, because I had a lot of infection and it took him longer than usual to clean it all out.

Anyway, I just want to point out that in my case, the CT scan wasn't very accurate at all. I wish I could've have gotten an MRI also. I have always felt that my left side should've been operated on also.

I had a ct scan for my sinuses. Found out that my right ethmoid air cell is blocked. Never had an mri though because like you, I'm claustrophobic. :nono:

As everyone has said, CT is the standard type of scan for a paranasal sinus scan. Do you have any idea why your doc ordered an MRI? Is he looking for sinus infection? And a CT would be more comfortable than a MRI for you too. :cool:

Also, CT scans are cheaper... So if you have some sort of limit on your health insurance, that's something to consider.

It was an eye specailist here in the Uk who put me forward for a scan. I had a ct scan about 18months ago, but during all that time I was told it was clear but this specailist said he couldn't see things clearly on it. So he said he would put me for another one.

We assumed that it was another ct scan for sinuses, as I did ask at the time if sinus can cause alot of eye problems. But the request came through as a mri of my eyes. I have read and heard that a ct scan if more apt at showing sinuses. and from some of your responses seem like that also.

Since your specialist is willing to do some more tests for you, go for it as you might never know what the MRI will show that the CT didn't. You could discuss with your doctor what he could do to help you relax during the mri. ;)