What is an MRI scan? Is It Better To Choose MRI Over X-Rays?

MRI and X-rays are the two most popular medical imaging procedures, strongly used to capture high-dimensional images of internal body organs. However, they can’t be used interchangeably. Let’s understand why! The x-rays are particularly used to diagnose internal injuries, broken bones, and masses inside the body. Doctors suggest a full-body MRI scan to get clearer pictures of soft tissues and organs. It helps doctors provide a satisfactory experience to patients.  

Are you wondering which is a better choice – MRIs or X-rays? Indeed, this is always a matter of concern if you are asked to get a medical imaging report of internal body parts. However, physicians or medical specialists usually vote for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) instead of x-rays. Let’s take a look at the medical imaging differences and understand why doctors prefer MRIs over X-rays.

MRI scan procedure and benefits over X-rays!

Magnetic resonance imaging or MRI is indeed better than normal X-rays. They use magnetic and radio waves to take clearer internal body pictures and help doctors make a better diagnosis. Before we check out its impressive benefits, let’s check out how MRI works.

First of all, an MRI test requires plenty of preparation. For example, to get a full-body MRI scan, you need to avoid wearing metallic objects on the body. Since the MRI process involves magnetic waves, these can attract metal and can cause a risk factor. Therefore, metallic objects like body piercings, hair pins, bands & watches, hearing aids, etc., should be removed initially. Patients with a pacemaker, metal joints, or other artificial implants in their body, must speak about it with the doctor before the examination. 

Let’s check out the benefits of MRIs over x-rays.

1. Eliminate radiation risks: MRIs create a well-defined magnetic field and require radio frequencies to operate. Unlike x-rays, these have zero exposure to radiation. Hence, this scanning procedure does not risk a patient's life. The cost of MRI scans is surely higher than the cost of x-rays, but the experience you gather from the former is far better than the latter.
    
2. Capture wide-ranging pictures: As mentioned, x-rays provide a detailed view of a specific section of the body. It may be to identify a fractured limb or a broken ankle. Whereas MRIs use a magnetic field and radio frequencies to capture multiple sections of the body. It uses a scanner screen to display clearer and more detailed images of soft tissues and blood vessels. This is a prime reason doctors ask for a full-body MRI scan instead of x-rays.  
    
3. Easy to diagnose serious health disorders: Doctors leverage MRIs because they efficiently capture vibrant pictures of internal body organs. As a result, they get a clearer report on the abnormalities and structural changes, thereby helping doctors to diagnose the actual cause. This further helps physicians provide the right treatment and deliver a better patient experience. 

If you need a medical practitioner, make sure you are well aware of the resources and MRI scan cost in India for a better choice. 

What are MRI scans used for?

As discussed, MRI scans are pretty helpful for diagnosing serious health problems. Unlike X-rays, MRI scan reports are important for getting a clearer view of – 

• Chest, abdomen, heart, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, liver, and adrenal glands.

• Pelvic organs – bladder and reproductive organs

• Lymph 

• Blood vessels

Note: The cost of MRI scans of these body organs differs.

Physicians use the MRI report to diagnose multiple health conditions like – 

• Chest tumors

• Vasculitis

• Cirrhosis or problems in bile ducts and pancreas

• Fetus in pregnant women

• Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis

• Cancer

• Congenital heart disease

No matter what MRI type you opt for, you can check out the MRI scan cost in India before scheduling an appointment with any renowned radiologist.

Are MRIs a better choice over X-rays? Check more!

Many of you have doubts regarding – What is MRI scan, what it costs, what it is used for, etc. Now, since you have a transparent knowledge of this, you can make your decision and get a speedy recovery. 

Star Imaging and Path Lab has a separate package for patients getting an MRI test. In fact, the cost of an MRI scan depends upon different MRI types. You can simply share the type of MRI you want to perform and enjoy a peerless experience from the radiology specialists.