Developmental Delay

CT Scan and MRI

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CT scan
A CT (Computerized Tomography) scan or CAT scan is an X-ray of the brain and bones in the skull.  It can identify substantial problems in the brain such as large tumors or bleeding but is not very good for seeing the brain’s fine details. 

MRI
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses radiofrequency waves and a strong magnetic field rather than X-rays to provide a clear and detailed picture of the brain.


Left: Katie, a child life specialist at Boston Medical Center, with 12 year old, Cody, explaining the MRI procedure. Right: Heather, a pediatric sedation nurse, with 12 year old Cody. Cody was able to lie still for his MRI without medication.