 Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT)
Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography is a functional imaging technique which creates 3-dimensional images of the brain on computer, allowing physicians to visualize blood flow through different areas of the brain.
Individuals with epilepsy often have changes in blood flow to specific areas of the brain when a seizure begins. By measuring blood flow, the SPECT scan can help to identify where seizures originate.
This test provides information about how well the various regions of the brain are functioning by measuring relative cerebral blood flow. This information helps your physician to more accurately diagnose the type of seizure, locate the site where a seizure originates, and evaluate a potential candidate for surgery.
The radiation exposure from a brain scan is small. It is in the range of 1 to 3 times your annual exposure to natural background radiation.
Before a SPECT Exam
- No special diet or medication is required.
Your child may eat and drink as usual.
- Your child should wear comfortable clothing during the examination.
- Metal objects including jewellery, keys, coins, pens, etc., must be removed before the examination because they can cause defects in the scan.
- Inform your child that a needle will be injected into his/her arm or hand. Reassure your child that s/he will feel only a small prick from the needle.
- Let your child know that the technologist will be in the examination area at all times if s/he needs anything.
During a SPECT Exam
- A technician will ask you questions about your child's medical history (head injury, seizures, stroke).
- Your child will lie on his/her back and a small amount of radioactive substance will be injected into a vein in the arm or hand. This radioactive agent will localize in an area of the brain and will be imaged with a camera.
- Adverse reactions to this substance are very rare, and even then, only a mild skin reaction such as a rash.
- Your child will be asked to continue lying down for another 10 to 20 minutes.
- A large camera will then be moved near your child's head; it will take several pictures which will show how well blood flows through various areas of your brain. The camera will remain close to your head throughout the exam. The camera will rotate once around your child's head and lightly brush your child's shoulders. It will not touch any other part of the body.
- Only the slight noise of the rotation of the camera and the cooling fans in the equipment will be heard. There are no loud noises during the examination.
- Your child will be instructed to remain still and breath normally. Any movement will blur the images. The scan may have to be repeated if there is movement of the head.
- If your child is too young to keep his/her head still, sedation may be required.
- Your child will be able to communicate with the technologist throughout the procedure.
- Preparation for the examination takes 30 minutes; the imaging takes another 30 minutes.
After a SPECT Exam
- When scanning is complete, the technologist will return to assist your child off the tamble. You child may go home and resume normal activities.
- The images will be given to a radiologist or physician for interpretation. A report will then be sent to your child's doctor.
Personnel
Nuclear Medicine Technologist (NMT)- works under the supervision of physicians to perform the SPECT exam;
- prepares, measures, and gives radioactive tracer to patients by injection or orally.
Doctor
Payment
A SPECT exam is covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
Important Considerations
- Pregnant women should not undergo a SPECT scan because of the radioactive isotopes used.
- Inform your doctor if your child is or may be pregnant, before proceeding with a nuclear medicine scan.
|
