 Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
Positron Emission Tomography is a scanning technique which detects chemical and physiological changes related to metabolism. This procedure produces 3-dimensional images of blood flow, chemical reactions and muscular activity in the body as they occur. It measures the intensity of the use (metabolization) of glucose, oxygen or other substances in the brain. More active brain areas have increased blood flow and consume more oxygen, thus detecting over or under brain activity. This allows the neurologist to study the function of the brain. By measuring areas of blood flow and metabolism, the PET scan is used to locate the site from which a seizure originates.
The information provided by a PET scan is valuable in the diagnosis of seizure type and in the evaluation of a potential candidate for surgery. The PET scan tests brain metabolism, chemistry or blood flow by injecting a small amount of radioactive substance into the body. When this substance reaches the brain during the scan, a computer uses the recorded signals to create images of specific brain functions. A functional image of brain activity is important because functional changes are often present before structural changes in tissues. PET images may therefore demonstrate pathological changes long before they would be evident by other scanning techniques.
The limitations of PET: - Since radioactive material is injected, the session cannot last very long.
- The radioactive material takes some time to be absorbed by active brain cells, thus the scan images change too slowly to capture fast-changing brain events.
Before a PET Scan
- Do not eat or drink anything four to six hours prior to the exam.
- Wear comfortable clothing.
- Take all prescribed medication(s) as usual unless instructed otherwise by the physician.
During a PET Scan
- Before the scan, you will be injected with a small amount of radioactive tracer. The tracer is a compound, such as sugar, "labelled" with a short-lived radioisotope.
- Following the injection, you will be asked to rest for approximately 30-45 minutes while the substance reaches your brain.
- You will be asked to lie on a scanner table. Be sure to lie completely still.
- The scanner table will slowly pass through the PET scanner. Your head will be inside the large, doughnut-shaped machine. The scanner detects the radioactive material to produce a computer image of your brain.
- Scanning time is approximately 1-2 hours.
After a PET Scan
- There are no after effects from the injection or the PET imaging.
- You can resume normal activity immediately after the PET scan is completed.
- The PET scan will be reviewed by a radiologist or nuclear medicine technologist who will report to your physician. Your physician will then make a follow-up appointment to discuss the results with you.
PersonnelNuclear Medicine Technologist- operates cameras which detect and map the radioactive tracer in the patient's body to create an image on the computer monitor
- explains test procedures to patients
- prepares the radiopharmaceutical and administer it orally or through injection.
Doctors
Availability
- Clarke Institute of Psychiatry, Toronto, Ontario
416-535-8501
The cost of the test is covered by research grants to the institute.
- McMaster-Chedoke Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario
905-521-2100
The cost of the test is covered by the hospital.
- Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal, Quebec
514-398-5358
The test costs $700. You must pay for the test but you will be reimbursed fully by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia
604-822-2211 (general directory)
- Contact the Epilepsy Foundation (of America) for locations in the USA.
301-459-3700
www.efa.org
The test costs approximately US$1700.
It is not covered by insurance: the individual pays for it.
Important Considerations
- Pregnant women should not undergo a PET Scan because of the radioactive isotopes used.
- If you are pregnant, or suspect you may be pregnant, you should inform your doctor.
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