When a person’s body suffers from some form of physical deterioration or injury, medical imaging is a vital tool for locating and diagnosing the problem. Two common types of imaging are Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, and X-Ray. They are both capable of looking at the internal structures of a body but in very different ways. So, what are these two services and how do they differ?
What Is the Difference Between X-Rays and MRIs?
An X-ray presents the contrast of hard tissue versus soft tissue, air, or fluids. It shows the bone structure, revealing fractures or breaks and other abnormalities in the bone. A special type of X-ray called Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) can even be used to calculate bone density.
The X-ray also lets providers look at the spaces between joints and may aid in diagnosing conditions such as osteoarthritis. It may reveal tumorous masses, which are generally denser than typical soft tissues, in areas such as the lungs. It can even expose the presence of fluid collecting in areas it shouldn’t, such as around the heart, lungs, or gut.
While an X-ray contrasts hard and soft tissues, it doesn’t differentiate between one soft tissue and another very well. When nuances in the soft tissues need to be studied, that’s where MRIs become more useful. MRI is capable of revealing more information than X-ray when investigating issues concerning the brain or other organs, muscles, blood vessels, nerves, tendons, ligaments, or the spinal cord.
How Do X-Rays Work and What Are the Risks?
X-rays use ionizing radiation to permeate the layers of the body, with the image lighting up more where the particles collide with denser materials and remaining dimmer where less density is encountered. High-density areas, such as bones, are white. Lower-density areas, such as pockets of fluid or air, fade to gray or black, respectively.
Traditional X-rays are generally considered safe, especially with infrequent use. However, because of the ionizing radiation, frequent traditional X-rays or especially CT scans may increase the long-term risks of cancer.
Additionally, such radiation may lead to miscarriage or birth defects. Therefore, you should inform your healthcare providers before X-rays or CT scans if you are or believe you may be pregnant so that they can take additional precautions or switch to alternate imaging options.
How Do MRIs Work and What Are the Risks?
MRI machines do not use radiation. Instead, through a combination of magnetic fields and radio waves, MRI machines form images from a variety of angles (planes) and transmit the information to a computer. The imaging may then be studied for anomalous tissue, such as the presence of a brain aneurysm, muscle disease, or kidney tumor. The procedure takes anywhere from a few minutes for a small area of the body to at least an hour for a full-body scan.
Due to the absence of radiation, MRI scans are safer than X-rays and CT scans. As to long-term health effects, The FDA states that “there are no known health hazards from temporary exposure to the MR environment.”
While claustrophobia used to be a concern with MRIs, this issue has been addressed. Older styles of MRI machines were tube-like, whereas new open MRI machines do not enclose the patient which allows for a more peaceful test. Many patients who suffer from claustrophobia can comfortably tolerate open MRIs.
If you are concerned about an injury you have sustained or that you may be experiencing some type of internal damage, don’t hesitate to seek help. An MRI can give you and your healthcare providers the guidance needed to find the right treatment path, so schedule an appointment with Brooklyn Open MRI today.