Medical science has taken off its journey to a very extended path and, with all its equipment, has opened doors we did not even know existed.
Even though we take advantage of all the advanced medical science, we do not always know the difference between different devices. EEG and MRI are devices whose functions might sometimes confuse us at times.
Key Takeaways
- Electroencephalography (EEG) records electrical activity in the brain using electrodes, while Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) generates detailed brain images through powerful magnetic fields and radio waves.
- EEG offers real-time data and high temporal resolution, making it ideal for studying brain function, whereas MRI provides high spatial resolution for examining brain structure.
- EEG is non-invasive, portable, and more affordable than MRI, requiring specialized equipment and facilities.
EEG vs MRI
EEG is a scanning of the brain that involves metal discs and electrodes. It analyzes the electrical activity of the brain to diagnose different neurological conditions. The term MRI refers to a method of taking an image of the brain using a machine to visualize its structure and diagnose disease.
Electroencephalography, or EEG, was built to evaluate the brain’s electrical activities. It is done by placing electrodes on our scalp.
It can tell us how much active the brain is. It is useful for a person who is suffering from epilepsy.
MRI offers an image of the brain. It is like a map. By using this map, doctors can observe unusual activities that might take place in the brain, for instance, tumours. MRI scanner is also very complicated to operate.
It requires a highly trained professional.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | EEG | MRI |
|---|---|---|
| Full form | EEG means electroencephalography. | MRI means Magnetic Resonance Imaging. |
| Objective | EEG is used to analyse brain wave functioning. | MRI scanners create an image of the brain. |
| Process of work | EEG uses electrical impulses that are exclusively generated by the neurons to analyse brain functions. | MRI creates an image of the brain by using magnetic fields and radio waves. |
| Used material | EEG is made with electrical impulses to get made. | MRI is made with magnetic fields and radio waves. |
| Cost | EEG is not as expensive as an MRI machine, and it is accessible to many researchers and research centres. | MRI devices are very expensive, they can be afforded only with huge amounts of funds. |
| Portability | EEG is a portable device. It has two options, fully portable as well as semi-portable. | MRI devices are not portable at all. |
| Expertise | One can use the EEG machine with a bit of basic training. | To use an MRI machine, one needs to have extensive training beforehand. |
What is EEG?
EEG is short for electroencephalography. This is a special machine. It utilises neuron-generated electrical impulses to narrate the activity and functions of the brain. The process of using this device is rather easy.
This machine is attached to the scalp in order to get used. In this process, the machine successfully records the brain’s electrical impulses.
Our neurons produce electrical stimuli, and this device records those. Experts can observe abnormalities by examining the records.
If the condition is suspected, the doctors can take necessary measures. It is an ideal machine to detect epilepsy. In epilepsy, the waves the brain produce in EEG test are very sharp and in spikes.
EEG machines are quite affordable, and it produces results promptly. It is also not very complicated to use. One can use it effortlessly after a few training sessions. It also has the facility of being portable.
This machine comes as fully portable and semi-portable.
What is MRI?
MRI gives us a static, anatomical image of the brain. Through this image, we can see if there is anything abnormal happening. MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging uses magnets.
The objective of MRI is to use a magnetic field in the body to generate an image. It is used to detect tumours in the brain.
This advanced diagnostic methodology operates with magnets and radio waves. Not only the brain but any other Internal body part can be subjected to visualise in this process.
MRI machines are very costly, and their maintenance also costs a fortune. This is why it can only be affordable with huge funding behind it.
To use this scanner skillfully, one has to be a professional. One needs to achieve in-depth training and be an expert in using it.
Main Differences Between EEG and MRI
- EEG is electroencephalography, and the full form of MRI is Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
- EEG analyse brain wave functions, whereas MRI scanners generate an image of the brain.
- EEG can measure brain activity directly, but MRI can only provide the brain’s structure. But its spatial resolution is higher.
- EEG uses electrical impulses to perform its functions, but MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to perform its purpose.
- EEG machines can be shifted as they are portable. They have two portability options, one is fully portable, and the other is semi-portable. On the other hand, MRI scanners are not at all portable.
- EEG machines cost less than MRI scanners. Centres need substantial funds in order to afford an MRI scanner.
- One can learn to operate EEG after a few training sessions. But a fully trained person is needed to operate an MRI scanner as it is not very easy to run.
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/088789949290028W
- https://journals.lww.com/clinicalneurophys/Fulltext/2004/07000/EEG_Functional_MRI_in_Epilepsy__The_Queen_Square.2.aspx
Last Updated : 11 June, 2023
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Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
A fantastic read and an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn about EEG and MRI. The comparisons were particularly useful and educational.
I second that! The article is a treasure trove of information about these medical technologies.
This is an article that gives a great in-depth look into the world of medical technology. It covers everything from the differences between EEG and MRI, to a detailed look at how they each work. I came away with a much richer understanding of these concepts. Kudos to the author!
I agree. The author has done a commendable job in explaining everything so thoroughly.
A bit more insight into the cost differences and affordability factors would have been a valuable addition to this article.
Absolutely, the topic of cost could have been explored more deeply and would have made the article even more comprehensive.
I felt that the article could have been more condensed and to the point. There was a bit of repetition of information which made it a little verbose.
I see where you’re coming from. Shortening the article would have made it more succinct.
I found the comparisons between EEG and MRI really enlightening. It’s amazing to see how much we can do to understand and diagnose conditions in the brain. Really fascinating stuff! I’m looking forward to reading more.
Absolutely, I walked away from this article with a much richer understanding of the capabilities of medical technology.
Despite the very scientific tone, the article maintained a great flow and coherence, even for a wider audience. This is no small feat and deserves appreciation.
Yes, the balance of technicality and readability was quite impressive. However, a little more attention to the cost and maintenance of the technologies would have added a lot of value.
I don’t think the author did justice to MRI technology. There was a lot of emphasis on EEG, but I felt MRI was left somewhat in the shadow. It would be good to see more balanced coverage in the future.
I would have to agree with you. A little more focus on MRI would have given a better-rounded view.
I would’ve loved to see some case studies included alongside the technical information, but all in all, a very well-written and thoroughly researched article.
That’s a good point. Including some real-life cases could have made the topic even more engaging.