What is the main advantage of MRI compared to CT scans?

The primary advantage of MRI over CT scans is its superior ability to provide contrast for soft tissues. MRI utilizes strong magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed images of the body's internal structures. This method is particularly effective in differentiating various types of soft tissues, such as muscles, fat, organs, and even blood vessels. The contrast provided by MRI is largely due to the different tissue properties that affect how they respond to magnetic fields, allowing for clear visualization of conditions affecting soft tissues, such as tumors and inflammation.

In contrast, CT scans are primarily based on x-ray technology that excels at imaging dense structures like bone but may not provide the same level of detail for softer tissues. This limitation makes MRI the preferred choice for many neurological, orthopedic, and oncological assessments where soft tissue visualization is critical.