What is a Brain PET scan?
A brain PET scan( Positron emission tomography of the Brain) is a scanning procedure which enables physicians to view the activity of your brain. After radioactive “tracers” are absorbed by the bloodstream, the scan captures images of the brain’s activity. The chemicals such as glucose(the source of energy for the brain) contain these tracers “tagged” onto them (sugar). The brain will consume glucose faster in active regions than in passive ones. It can be visualized using a PET scanner, which aids physicians in evaluating how the brain is performing and identifying any irregularities.
Why does a brain PET scan get done?
The test gives accurate data regarding the size, structure, and functions of the brain. A brain PET scan, unlike a regular scan, provides doctors with an image of not only the brain anatomy but also functionality.
It assists in diagnosing:
- Screen for cancer and its extension to the brain
- Diagnose dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease
- Distinguish between Parkinson’s disease and other brain disorders
- Pre-surgery epilepsy
How to Prepare for a Brain PET scan?
- Inform your doctor of any medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and even dietary supplements.
- You may be instructed not to eat anything prior to your treatment for a period of up to six hours. You will be able to have water.
- If you suspect that you may be pregnant or are pregnant, inform your doctor.
- Also, you need to reveal to your doctor any present medical conditions.
How is a brain PET scan done?
You’ll be guided to the procedure room, where a chair awaits. A technician will insert an intravenous catheter (IV) into your arm. A special dye with radioactive tracers will be injected into your veins through this IV.
You will need to wait until the scan is initiated since your body needs time to take up the tracers as blood circulates through the brain. Under normal circumstances, this takes one hour.
You will then receive the scan. For this, you will need to lie on a small table that is attached to the PET machine.
You’ll need to stay still while being scanned. You’ll be told when you should hold still by the technician.
The scans record the brain activity as it happens. Both video and still images may be taken of these. Where blood flow has increased, the tracers are dense.
After a brain PET scan
After the test, it is a good practice to take lots of water to help your body clear out the tracers. Tracers usually only take twenty-four hours to be gone from your body.
Conclusion:
A Brain PET Scan is a very important diagnostic tool that assists in the detection of a variety of chronic brain-related disorders like cancer, brain diseases. Physicians normally prescribe Brain PET scans for diagnosing, tracking and treating some health issues. If you need to get the best PET Scan diagnostic center to conduct a Brain PET scan for you or your relative, then contact the healthcare professionals at carebox.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a PET scan of the brain for?
Brain PET CT scan is to detect the disorders such as tumours and Alzheimer’s disease.
Q. How to find the best imaging centre near me in Delhi NCR?
You can just type best imaging centre near me on Google or directly contact carebox for consultation.
Q. Does a PET scan show all cancers?
No, PET CT scan is not able to detect and show all types of cancers. Doctors used different technologies and methods to detect cancers and its type/
Q. What is the Full form of CT scan?
CT scan stands for the Computed Tomography scan.
Q. Can a PET scan detect a brain tumor?
Yes, PET CT scan can detect brain tumour.
