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What would show on an MRI but not on a CT scan of the head?

  • 13-10-2018 10:26pm
    #1
    TheBiz
    Closed Accounts Posts: 511 ✭✭✭


    Hello,

    I've an MRI appointment tomorrow for chronic headaches (going on 6 months) I've been taking Tramadol and Amitriptyline but never seem to be helping.

    I had a CT with no contrast dye and they said it came back fine, so why would I be sent for an MRI? What would show on an MRI but not on a CT?

    I'm not looking for medical advice just looking to get a better understanding.

    I'm really getting sick of these headaches, everyday, usually worse in the morning and always there.


Comments

  • #2
    Arbie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 882 ✭✭✭Arbie


    In general, CT is better at showing bone while MRI is better at showing soft tissues (in this case brain and spinal cord).


  • #3
    TheBiz
    Closed Accounts Posts: 511 ✭✭✭TheBiz


    Arbie wrote: »
    In general, CT is better at showing bone while MRI is better at showing soft tissues (in this case brain and spinal cord).


    Yeah from what I can find online most places say an MRI will show soft tissue, Ct is more of a general overview..

    In my case I was probably had the CT to rule out a brain bleed and all of that lovely stuff.
    MRI would be for abnormal growth(s) and all of that other lovely stuff.

    I just could only find adverts for imaging centres or info for med students and doctors, thanks for clarifying.


  • #4
    embee
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,890 ✭✭✭embee


    I always have brain MRIs and not CT, brain MRI with contrast will highlight the scarring on my brain from MS. CT is quicker to assess for acute bleeds or skull fractures, MRI is more for soft tissue.


  • #5
    Bonniek
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19 ✭Bonniek


    I have had a stroke and my bleed showed up on a ct? But they did an MRI as well to be sure. I think an MRI is just more clearer so would probably see smaller abnormalities maybe?


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