Difference Between X Ray and MRI, Ultrasound and CT Scan | Health Expert Explains

The Difference between an X Ray and MRI, Ultrasound and CT Scan EXPLAINED in simple terms (easy to understand).
At some point in our life we will be sent by our doctor for either an x ray, ultrasound, CT Scan or an MRI. But WHY? And why are we sent for one, but not the others? Today's video titled 'What's the Difference Between X-ray, MRI, CT Scan and Ultrasound' will answer these two common questions.
Why is it important for YOU to know the DIFFERENCE between x-ray, MRI, CT Scan and MRI?
- This knowledge will make you MORE INFORMED, and at one point in your life this information will be critical for either yourself or a loved one.
- It can take weeks, months or even years to get some of these tests done, so it is critical that you know you are going for the correct one.
- YOU are part of your healthcare team. This means you need to have a voice and contribute to your own health care. Being able to discuss these medical imaging tests with either your own or a family member's doctor is an enormous benefit. Nothing is worse than when a doctor is giving you results and you have no clue what they are talking about. After watching this video and reading the information below, you will NEVER be in the dark when it comes to discussing your health results.
The Difference Between X-Ray, MRI, CT Scan, Ultrasound
X-Ray
- Uses X Ray RADIATION to take a 2D photograph of our BONES
- Used to diagnose broken bones, fractures and dislocations
- Relatively inexpensive, timely
- HARMFUL to our body if we get too many
- Required to be motionless during the test
CT Scan (Computed Tomography Scan)
- Uses a higher dose of X Ray RADIATION to take photographed 'SLICES' of our BONEs
- Used to diagnose smaller fractures or broken bones that a 2D X-ray fails to detect.
- Used to observe below the surface of bony structures. Hence the 'slices'.
- More expensive than X-Ray, and takes longer to get one
- Required to be motionless during the test
- Limit the number of these scans because of the HARMFUL higher dose of radiation
Ultrasound
- Uses ultrasound waves to take either a 2D or 3D photograph of our bodily structures
- SAFE for our body
- Used to look at muscle, TENDON and LIGAMENT tears, strains and sprains. For example: Achilles tendon tear, ACL tear, rotator cuff tear, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow.
- Relatively inexpensive and timely
- Can move your body part during the test
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
- Uses magnetic fields to take 'sliced' photographs
- Similar to CT Scan but instead of radiation, an MRI uses magnetic fields
- Used to look at the brain to diagnose conditions such as Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, etc.
- Used to look at the spinal cord and discs in our back to diagnose conditions such as cancer, disc herniation, stenosis.
- High quality image
- MRI machines have a small opening for our body part, which can trigger claustrophobia. Thankfully there is a sedative that can be given before the test is done to help us relax.
- EXPENSIVE! MRIs can take months to years to get done!
The next time you are told to get an X-ray, MRI, CT Scan or Ultrasound you will know WHY you are being sent, which structures or tissues are being photographed, and most importantly you are now more informed which will help you advocate for a particular image or test the next time you believe you need one.
Thank you for watching and reading. Please press the 'Like' button and leave a comment below. If you find my content helpful then please subscribe to my channel CodyDudgeonPhysiotherapy.

[@codydudgeonphysiotherapy9197]

I am sticking with the nautical theme! :) Enjoy everyone!

[@kevinmcinnis1859]

Excellent!

[@chrisblacchus3285]

Thanks brother

[@paulcortez6186]

Great video!

[@codydudgeonphysiotherapy9197]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ryanvanloo9552]

I am on the waiting list for an MRI. It's been 7 months. Crazy!

[@codydudgeonphysiotherapy9197]

That's Canada's healthcare system for ya

[@kevinmcinnis1859]

Sticking with the Nautical theme :) Good job!

[@codydudgeonphysiotherapy9197]

Always!

[@raybarone3176]

Thanks Cody!

[@jimwoodsy8012]

Another dope video. Thanks Cody!

[@codydudgeonphysiotherapy9197]

No problem!!

[@nikoliko3677]

Thanks Cody 👍🏽

[@mrmoticuco]

Nice and well informed way to explain all these different tests I am the cool kind of patient you mentioned by google myself about my medical condition . I injured my right shoulder while doing flys with dumbbells more than three months ago and kept exercising and casino salsa dancing in which I have to pull and push a lady with my hand while my arm is fully raised so while doing so I heard a crack in my shoulder and after that couldn’t lift my arm and was painful and pinching in my shoulder when try to lift it So initially doctor thought it was a rotator cuff tear but I got and ultrasound and found shoulder bursitis . I am applying icé compresses and feel better in these last three days , if I would’ve have a labrum’s tear or other tendon tear related with shoulder cuff tear , should’ve been seen in that ultrasound right ? or not. ? Please give your advice , thanks

[@lizwheeland3934]

I swear I was thinking about this exact thing yesterday. How did you know? ;)

[@codydudgeonphysiotherapy9197]

I read your mind :)

[@yurichiatro2464]

Is there a limit to the number of MRIs one should get?

[@codydudgeonphysiotherapy9197]

No

[@kenbrandolini3513]

East Coast represent!

[@codydudgeonphysiotherapy9197]

Always :)

[@rileydavis7521]

What is better, and MRI or Ultrasound?

[@codydudgeonphysiotherapy9197]

MRI is gold standard, but Ultrasound is prescribed more often because it is less expensive and not as long a procedure.

[@trevorwillows7311]

My doctor hates it when I question him

[@codydudgeonphysiotherapy9197]

Most healthcare providers appreciate when their patients are informed and ask questions

[@chrisblacchus3285]

Whats the difference between CT Scan and MRI?

[@codydudgeonphysiotherapy9197]

CT Scan is for bone MRI is for tissues with high water or fat content

[@jeremypeterson8642]

My doctor will not give me an MRI. Why? And how should I get one?

[@codydudgeonphysiotherapy9197]

MRIs are expensive and there is a long waitlist. X ray and/or ultrasound should be used first. If already done, and you have had therapy and gotten no result, then ask your doctor for an MRI.

[@joejago8581]

Is your entire house Nautical themed?

[@codydudgeonphysiotherapy9197]

You may soon find out

[@joeymansien2333]

It seems like every professional athlete always gets an MRI no matter what. Why is that?

[@jasonswanson2477]

It's all about the money

[@codydudgeonphysiotherapy9197]

Gold Standard image. The sport teams have ample amounts of money.

[@alohablue2907]

Is it true that if you get a CT scan you have a 1 in 2000 chance of cancer?