Magnetic resonance imaging vs. computed tomography: advantages and disadvantages.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head and spine exceeds the sensitivity of computed tomography (CT) in detecting parenchymal lesions of the brain and spinal cord. MRI should be employed as a screening examination, particularly in patients suspected of having demyelinating diseases. CT continues to be the imaging technique of choice in evaluation of trauma, accurately depicting bony abnormalities and intracranial hemorrhage in evaluation of the spinal column and suspected disc herniation and in uncooperative patients.