What's the difference between a ct scan of head and mri.?brain zaps, eyes jump back and forth, panic, confusion at times.doc says i'm ok don't need mri.

Both can be useful: A ct scan uses ionizing radiation to get a picture of the brain tructures, and it is good for seeing blood, calcium and major abnormalities. An MRI uses magnetic energy to get a picture of the brain and is better for seeing the soft tissues of the brain, the detailed anatomy, and minor abnormalities.

Both show anatomy: Both ct and MRI show anatomy. Ct does this be imaging differences in density, and MRI by looking at differences in the number hydrogen atoms in a region (proton density) and the local environment they are in. Both are very good, but MRI is better for looking at soft tissues.

X- vs Magnetic-Rays: "computed tomography" (ct) scanners take & compile a series x-rays 2form detailed 3-d images. X-rays r a form of high-energy radiation known 2cause genetic (dna) damage. ("x-ray" is short 4 "x-radiation.") in contrast, "magnetic resonance imaging" (MRI) scanners use magnetic fields & pulsing radio waves 2 produce detailed 3-d images. Mri machines don't produce radiation or harmful side effects.

Read more here: Please see these two articles for a more in-depth differentiation of the two: mri: http://www.Conciergeradiologist.Com/mri-scan.Html ct: http://www.Conciergeradiologist.Com/ct-scan.Html.

Different studies: A ct scan generally shows bone better and may identify certain types of pathology and also involves receiving some radiation. However an MRI would show detailed anatomy better and is basically magnetic instead of radiation.