Parkinson’s Test – DaTscan™
Advanced Medical Imaging (AMI) is the only facility in the Lincoln area to offer DaTscan™, a new test that helps physicians determine if a patient may have a parkinsonian syndrome (PS), the most well-known syndrome of those being Parkinson’s Disease (PD). DaTscan™ is a radiopharmaceutical that is administered prior to a SPECT (single-photon emission computed tomography) scan to help a radiologist see whether or not there is degeneration of dopamine transporters in the brain. Studying this degeneration, along with a patient’s changes in functioning helps physicians to determine if a patient’s symptoms may be related to a PS or rather an essential tremor (ET).
Parkinson’s Disease is a disease widely known and typically associated with tremors and shuffling. Other symptoms include instability, walking issues, muscle stiffness, cognitive impairment, speech changes, trouble writing, and slowed or loss of voluntary movement.
Advanced Medical Imaging’s group of physicians includes multiple neuroradiologists. These specialists are the experts at diagnosing neurological abnormalities. Patients interested in finding out if this test could give them the answers they are looking for should ask their neurologist or primary care provider if a DatScan™ at AMI is right for them.
For local support for Parkinson’s patients, visit the Lincoln Parkinson’s Disease Support Group website.
Images courtesy of GE Healthcare
What to Expect
Patients do not have change their eating or drinking routines for this test. They should wear comfortable clothing and be prepared and able to lie still for 45 minutes in a very close imaging environment. Patients will be asked to remove hearing aids and any devices that contain metal from neck up prior to imaging.