3 Differences Between a EEG and MRI

If you're excited about the prospect of understanding your brain, two machines can help. One is an MRI scan, and the other is an EEG scan. What are they? How do they relate? This article will tell you the differences between an EEG and MRI that you need to know.

What is EEG?

An EEG is an electroencephalograph that measures the electrical activity in your brain. With the use of EEG monitoring devices, it measures the frequency and amplitude of the electrical impulses given off by your brain cells. The EEG has been around since 1924. You can use it to diagnose epilepsy, sleep disorders, hydrocephalus, certain tumors, etc.

What is MRI?

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It's based on magnetic resonance and is used to produce a detailed image of the inside of your body. An MRI uses strong magnetic fields to align nuclei in the body so that they can be visualized during an image reconstruction process.

Differences Between a EEG and MRI

1. How They Work and Accuracy

An EEG measures electrical activity in your brain. Because the brain is three-dimensional, while an MRI only provides a two-dimensional image, it is impossible to visualize the inside of the brain with an MRI. An EEG can be used to generate a 3-D image of your brain. An EEG detects the brain's electrical activity by using many electrodes attached to your scalp that detect different aspects of brain wave patterns, such as amplitude and frequency. An MRI scan is completely painless, while an EEG requires you to be awake during the test. The test is also less expensive than an MRI.

The MRI is very accurate, and the results are conclusive. The EEG is not an exact science because it measures electrical impulses, which may differ for one person's brain. An MRI takes a 3-D image of your brain that looks like a black-and-white photographic negative. It can detect anything from a cyst to an injury using this method. While an MRI has been around for decades, the first EEG was only created in 1924. They both require a lot of preparation beforehand, and you must be very still during the process to ensure quality results. An MRI is often used for the diagnosis of illnesses where an EEG is not helpful.

2. Who Requires Them and How Long They Last

You may need an EEG if you are experiencing problems like frequent seizures with no known cause. MRI is a diagnostic tool that you can use if you have a brain tumor, bleeding inside your skull, or advanced brain cancer. It is also used to determine the condition of your bones and joints if you've had an injury. An MRI requires you to lie very still in a narrow tube for as long as 45 minutes so it can get high-quality images of your brain. With an EEG, you get a quick and painless test of your brain activity. So you may be able to have an MRI done before going through a seizure.

It takes only a few hours to do an EEG, while MRI may last from one to several hours. It depends on what your doctor is checking for and the type of images that are needed. An MRI is a full-body scan, unlike an EEG, which only provides images of the part of the head where the sensor is placed. An MRI is likely to be a more sensitive tool. The MRI also needs to be repeated once every 2 to 3 years after the patient turns 40 years of age.

3. How They're Used and Cost

An EEG can be used to diagnose certain conditions like epilepsy, a brain tumor, stroke or tumors, and hydrocephalus. An MRI may be used to diagnose traumatic brain injury, bleeding inside the skull, or advanced age-related dementia. It is more sensitive than an EEG in detecting tumors in the brain. An MRI might also be used to help determine the cause of an injury or other medical condition. It is usually the only way to tell for certain how your bones and joints are damaged.

An EEG is very expensive. An MRI can cost anywhere from $1,000 to more than $10,000 according to the health insurance plan you're using and where you live. It also depends on the type of MRI you may need. A brain MRI costs more than an MRI of a different part of your body. The cost of an EEG is often included as part of a neurological consultation. You will also need to pay for the cost of administering anesthesia.

Conclusion

To see what is causing your seizures and give you a better picture of your body, it is recommended that you have both an EEG and MRI. Having both will provide a complete picture. An EEG will show how your brain works in real-time, while an MRI will provide a better look at areas that are not visible with an EEG.