.aspx)
Are there any side effects or risks to the brain imaging study?
The study does not involve a dye so allergic reactions are very rare; if one does occur it usually involves only a mild, self-limited skin reaction such as a rash. Please let the technologist know if you experience any unusual symptoms during or after the injection of the radioisotope.
Will I feel pain when the radiopharmaceutical is injected?
You will only feel a small pinch from the needle as it is placed into your vein.
How is the brain scan procedure done?
Prior to the scan, you will sit in a comfortable and quiet room and a small intravenous (IV) line will be started. On the day of the concentration study, you will be given a simple computer task to do. The imaging agent will be injected through your IV approximately 5 minutes into the computer task. This will create a “snapshot” of your brain activity during concentration. After a waiting period of approximately 40 minutes, the technologist will take you into the camera room. You will lie down on the padded camera table and be positioned between the 2 camera detectors, which will image your brain. The closer the camera is to your head, the better the images of your brain will be. For the “resting” study (approximately 2 days later), the process is almost the same as the first scan except, instead of doing a computer task during the injection period, you will sit quietly in a comfortable chair for about 25 minutes; the room lights will be dimmed and you will wear sound dampening headphones to minimize noise.
Will I be alone?
No, the technologist (and a parent if applicable) will be nearby during the process.
Will the camera touch me?
The camera will rotate around your head and shoulders but no part of the machinery will touch your body. You will not go through a tube. The time on the camera table is approximately 30 minutes.
Will I get a diagnosis from the brain scans?
Your doctor will use the data from your functional brain scan report to help form a conclusion about your condition or assign a diagnosis. CereScan does not directly assign you the diagnosis.
Can I move during the scan?
No, you cannot move during the scan. Your head and body must remain motionless (blinking eyes and swallowing are okay) for approximately 30 minutes or the scan will be compromised and unreadable by our physicians. The camera table has a soft cushion and most patients find it quite comfortable.
After I’ve been injected with the radioisotope, should I avoid physical contact with others?
No, that is not necessary. In general, the radioisotope you are given will remain in your body for a short period of time. It is eliminated by urination, thus drinking more fluids afterwards will aid this process. If you are traveling by airplane within 24 hours following a scan, please make sure to let the technologist know. If any special precautions are necessary, the technologist will advise you. If you are nursing, you will receive and need to comply with the Policies and Procedures for Patients who are Breast-feeding.
What should I do after the scans?
You can return to any regular activities of daily living (driving, work, school, exercise, etc.). However, it will be necessary to increase your intake of fluids to aid the elimination of the radioisotope from your body. The goal is to urinate twice in the two hours following the injection. The technologist will provide discharge instructions.
When will I get the results of my brain scan?
When your scans are completed, a nuclear medicine physician will review your images, prepare a report and discuss the results with a CereScan clinician. A final appointment will occur when the clinician will review your brain scan report and images with you. The report review can be done in person at our clinic, via web conference or by conference call. You are welcome to include a family member, your therapist, treating physician, or friend in this review session. You will be given a copy of your scan report and images. A copy will also be sent to your referring physician.
Is the use of brain SPECT imaging accepted in the medical community?
The American College of Radiology (ACR) and the
Society of Nuclear Medicine (SNM) endorse the use of single photon emission computed tomography in the evaluation of cerebrovascular disease and stroke, evaluation of dementia and suspected Alzheimer’s disease, pre-surgical localization of epileptic foci, diagnostic evaluation of encephalitis and evaluation of suspected brain trauma. Research has also demonstrated regional blood flow patterns associated with other neurological disorders and with exposure to neurotoxins, hypoxia and substances of abuse. While functional brain imaging is not considered an exact science for diagnosing psychiatric conditions, there are hundreds of peer-reviewed, published research studies utilizing SPECT for the evaluation of these conditions. If interested, please contact our clinical staff for additional information and resources.
Learn more about brain imaging and how CereScan is helping doctors and patients. Follow us on Twitter and become a fan of CereScan on Facebook.