Advanced Medical Imaging Educates Public on Parkinsonian Syndrome Test, DaTscan
April is Parkinson’s Awareness month, and Advanced Medical Imaging (AMImaging.com) is educating the public on a highly-advanced test called DaTscan™ that can help in the diagnosis of parkinsonian syndromes. Advanced Medical Imaging is the only Nebraska location west of Omaha to offer DaTscan™, a test that helps diagnose Parkinson’s disease. DaTscan™ is a drug that is administered prior to a SPECT (single-photon emission computed tomography) scan to help a radiologist in the evaluation of adult patients with suspected parkinsonian syndromes (PSs). Studying both this scan along with a patient’s changes in functioning may help physicians to determine if a patient’s symptoms may be related to Parkinson’s disease.
DaTscan™ images, allow a radiologist to assess whether there is a loss of dopamine transporters. These transporters help recycle dopamine, a chemical involved in controlling movement. PSs occur when the brain is not getting enough of the dopamine it needs to perform certain functions. This affects the ability of the brain to control movement and other muscle functions. There are different types of PSs. The most common is Parkinson’s disease, also known as PD. Other types include multiple system atrophy and progressive supranuclear palsy. DaTscan™ cannot distinguish between these different syndromes. In combination with other tests and the clinical assessment of particular symptoms, DaTscan™ may help a physician determine if you are suffering from a parkinsonian syndrome.
Patients interested in finding out if DaTscan™ could be helpful with their diagnosis should talk to their neurologist or primary care provider. More information is also available at AMImaging.com/DaTscan.
Advanced Medical Imaging is the largest independent radiology group in Nebraska. AMI radiologists serve as the sole radiology providers for Advanced Medical Imaging’s full-service imaging center and surgery center in Lincoln, critical access hospitals across Nebraska, and St. Elizabeth Regional Health Center. To learn more, visit AMImaging.com.