What is a nuclear DaTscan?
The DaTscan is a safe nuclear medicine study used to evaluate the brain for tremors and/or Parkinson’s Disease. It utilizes the injection of a material called Ioflupane I123 into the bloodstream, where it travels to the brain and highlights the neurons responsible for controlling movement.
What does a DaTscan look for?
This scan measures something called the dopamine transporter (DaT), and it can help a doctor determine if patients are suffering from essential tremor vs. Parkinson’s disease or another parkinsonism (i.e., other problems affecting dopamine systems that have symptoms that look like Parkinson’s disease).
Can you be sedated for a DaTscan?
When necessary, sedation can be administered per institutional guidelines. A thyroid-blocking agent (potassium iodide solution or Lugol solution [equivalent to 100 mg of iodide] or 400 mg of potassium perchlorate) is administered orally 1 h before the DaTscan injection.
Can a DaTscan detect dementia?
For patients with dementia, the DaTscan has been successfully used in Europe to separate Alzheimer’s disease from a dementia called Lewy Body disease. This has important implications in determining which medications can be safely used to treat the dementia.
Can a DaTSCAN detect dementia?
What is the prep for a DaTscan?
There is no specific prep for DaTSCAN, and there are only 3 simple instructions. You’ll need to drink plenty of fluids the day before and the day of your procedure.
How much does a DaTSCAN cost?
The cost can range from $2,500-5,000. Many expert centers perform PET scans for free under research protocols.
What is a brain DaTSCAN?
What is a brain DaTscan? A brain DaTscan is a nuclear medicine scan. It uses radioactive material to diagnose some diseases of the brain, especially those that cause tremor (shakiness). DaTscan is a brand name for a drug called ioflupane I-123. A brain DaTscan is a form of radiology, because radiation is used to take pictures of the body.
What is a SPECT scan used to diagnose?
A SPECT scan is a type of nuclear imaging test, which means it uses a radioactive substance and a special camera to create 3-D pictures. While imaging tests such as X-rays can show what the structures inside your body look like, a SPECT scan produces images that show how your organs work.
Why would my doctor order a brain SPECT scan?
Your doctor has ordered a brain SPECT scan. The role of this procedure is to diagnose Alzheimer’s and other neuro-degenerative diseases, stroke, seizure, and to evaluate memory loss. Our team of specialized doctors, nurses and technologists is led by Louise Thomson, MD and Alessandro D’Agnolo, MD, co-chiefs of Nuclear Medicine.
How long does it take for DAT to reach the brain?
However, following injection of the DaT agent approximately 3-6 hours are required before the agent has achieved appropriate concentration in the brain. One hour before the exam, you will receive a drug to allow you to safely take the iodine required for the scan.