Both CT and MRI scans are usually reasonably safe & secure. However, some minor problems can occur.
MRI scans of patients with aneurysm clips (vessel clips in the brain) can not be undertaken until these clips have been known to be safe for MRI because such clips can be taken off, and the brain patient will be harmed.
Another issue with the MRI is that there are certain heart pacemakers or defibrillators (battery-operated machines) because the magnets can cause malfunctions. Metal devices, for instance, the presence of metals in the liver, eye, or extremity, that can be pulled out by a magnetic field. In addition, other metal canisters (such as certain oxygen tanks) must be held away from MRI devices, as they can draw the magnet and harm the patient.
These issues are not present in the CT scans, but they subject the patient to a very small dose of radiation. Certain types of CT scans may not be appropriate during pregnancy.
Contrast injected during CT scan or MRI may sometimes cause an allergic reaction.
Patients who are claustrophobic may feel uncomfortable during an MRI procedure.
The complications of a CT scan are very few. Even though CT scans subject you to more radiation than traditional X-rays, if you have just one scan, the chance of radiation cancer is small. If you have several X-rays or CT scans, you will higher chance of cancer over time. In children with CT scans, especially in the chest and abdomen, the risk of cancer is increased.
One may have an allergic reaction. Most agents used in CT scans have iodine, so make sure that you alert your doctor if you have had an adverse iodine reaction in the past. If you are allergic to iodine but have to be given a comparison, your doctor may give you allergy drugs or steroids to counteract any potential side effects.
If you are pregnant, it is also necessary to inform your doctor. An ultrasound or MRI scan may be advised by your physician to reduce the risk.
The internal body systems can be seen from both MRIs and CT scans. A CT scan is, however, quicker and can include images of tissues, muscles, and the skeletal system.
An MRI scan can produce better images at certain parts of body such as liver & rectum. Your doctor will decide which one is better for you.
