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Advances in Mental Health

The mental health field used to consist of hiding people away in institutions and in dangerous and cruel treatments that caused pain and sometimes death. Today's mental health care field is very different. Patients are being offered a many faceted approach to their mental health challenges and are being encouraged to pursue psychotherapy as well as medication. Drugs that treat problems like anxiety and depression are constantly becoming more effective and less harmful. Many patients can now handle mental illness while living a full and productive life. I am one of these people, and I want others to better understand the world of mental health and to truly appreciate the great advances that are being made.

 

Advances in Mental Health

3 Types Of Diagnostic Imaging And Advantages Of Each

8 November 2018
 Categories: Health & Medical , Blog

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Are you thinking about going to the doctor for some abnormal physical symptoms you are currently experiencing? If so, they might recommend diagnostic imaging so that they can see if there is anything wrong with your internal organs. When it comes to diagnostic imaging, you should be aware that there are different kinds tests used in order to help diagnose your condition.

Here are three types of diagnostic imaging and advantages of each.

1. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

This type of test uses magnets, radio waves, and a computer to help give a detailed view of what is going on inside your entire body. The machines used for MRI imaging are long tube-shaped magnets. Some advantages of MRI imaging include the following:

  • Patients don't have to worry about radiation.
  • The contrast used is less likely to induce an allergic reaction.
  • The scanner can be used to take images of any part of the body.

If you are claustrophobic, you may have a difficult time with an MRI, as the tube is a tight, small space. If this is the case, you can ask about getting an open MRI, which uses a larger machine and has open sides.

2. Computed Tomography (CT)

Like an MRI, this type of test allows a doctor to see pictures of the inside of your body. However, instead of being able to view your whole body, a CT scan only captures a particular body part or certain organs. Some advantages of this type of imaging include the following:

One disadvantage of having a CT scan is that you are exposed to radiation.

3. Fluoroscopy

This type of imaging allows the insides of the body to be viewed while it is in motion. The moving image can help to determine any abnormalities that might not be seen on an image that is taken when the body is perfectly still.

Besides producing an image with movement, some other advantages to a fluoroscopy include the following:

  • It provides the ability to see how certain internal organs, like the stomach or intestines, are functioning.
  • It can be used to assist with the implantation of pacemakers and catheters.
  • It reduces the need for invasive surgical procedures.

Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may recommend getting either an MRI, CT scan, or a doing a fluoroscopy. Each kind of imaging test has its own advantages, and your doctor can help you decide which one will be the most helpful in diagnosing your condition.

Get in touch with a company such as Kenai Peninsula Imaging Center, LLC for more information.