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Our physicians require patients to be off stimulant medication (Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta, etc.) at least four days before the first scan and remain off of them until the second scan is completed.
It is the patient's responsibility to inform his/her primary care physician (or the doctor prescribing the stimulant medication) of the required 96-hour abstinence from such stimulants, and to follow your doctor's recommendations for tapering off. Be sure to ask your doctor when and how to resume any stimulant medication. CereScan
DOES NOT recommend going off other medications. Substances which you must eliminate prior to the scans are listed below. Please have your physician or therapist call our Patient Care Department at 866.722.4806 with any questions.
48 hours prior to the scan eliminate the following:
- Caffeine, including, but not limited to, chocolate, most soda pops, sports drinks, energy drinks, coffee, tea, iced tea, green tea, etc.
- Cold medications, especially those containing Sudafed or other decongestants or nasal sprays (i.e. Afrin)
- Vitamins or supplements with ephedrine, caffeine, guarana or steroids
- Over the counter medications that contain caffeine, including, but not limited to, Excedrin, Midol, Anacin, NoDoze, Vivarin, Bayer Headache Relief, etc.
- Nicotine, including, but not limited to, cigarettes, gum, chewing tobacco, nicotine patch, etc.
- Illicit drugs, including, but not limited to, marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, etc.
24 hours prior to the scan
eliminate your alcohol intake.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are a heavy user of alcohol, caffeine, or illicit drugs, please contact your doctor now about a tapering-off plan in preparation for your brain scans.
The key to a successful functional brain scan is to remain as still as possible while the camera is imaging your brain. You will need to remain motionless (blinking and swallowing are o.k.) for approximately 30 minutes. Be sure to dress comfortably so that you are relaxed. Also, dress warmly since our imaging room may be chilly. Please wear a collarless, well-fitted top such as a T-shirt and sweater or other warm, collarless layer. Prior to the scans, please remove any hair barrettes and jewelry or piercings above the neck. The technologist may ask you to wear a hairnet during the scans to allow the camera to get as close to your head as possible.
Your brain scan appointments at our clinic will be approximately 2.5 hours each. The appointment to review your report and images will last about 1 hour.
Relax. The staff at CereScan is friendly, experienced and professional. We will gladly answer any additional questions you may have when you arrive.
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