Brain Spect

What is the purpose of a brain spect?
The brain spect is a way of looking for problems involving the brain. A brain spect reveals if there are patterns different than those of an average or normal brain spect. Nuclear medicine physicians use information obtained from brain spect pictures along with an individual's medical history to determine whether a specific brain problem exists.

How is a brain spect performed?
A brain spect procedure begins with 30 minutes of quiet rest time. A small amount of radioactivity is then injected into the vein of your arm. After an hour pictures are made of the brain.

How do I prepare for a brain spect?
There are no special preparations necessary for a brain spect. You will be asked to use the rest room just before the scan begins.

What will happen during the brain spect?
You will lie on a special table that allows us to take pictures of your brain. It is very important that you do not move for this procedure. A headrest will help you hold your head still. A camera that can detect radioactivity will be positioned above your head for about 45 minutes. Once pictures have been taken, a nuclear medicine physician will determine if any additional pictures are needed. If more are needed, they will be taken at this time. The procedure is then complete.

How soon will my doctor receive the results?
After the procedure is completed, a nuclear medicine physician will study the pictures along with your medical history to determine if a brain problem exists. He will then dictate a report that will be forwarded to your physician in five to seven business days. If your doctor needs the results sooner, he/she can call the nuclear medicine physician on the day of the procedure.

How do I make an appointment for a brain spect?
Your doctor will write an order or prescription for the test. The doctor will either give you the order or have it faxed to the hospital. You may then schedule your appointment by calling the Nuclear Medicine Department at 847-723-5050.

If I still have questions, who should I call?
For more information about the procedure, please call the Nuclear Medicine Department at 847-723-5050.