Has anyone had an MRI? - General Health Message Board

regime · 12-03-2003, 03:03 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 :-(

catt143 · 12-03-2003, 06:31 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, 02:34 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, 12:58 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!

upshutter17 · 12-08-2003, 09:33 PM

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