However, symptoms or signs of Parkinsons disease may not be obvious.
For example, the types oftremorspresent may be mixed and suggest differing diagnoses.
What Is a DaTscan?
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This drug was approved by the FDA in 2011.
The drug is administered during the SPECT scan.
The striatum helps facilitate the transportation of dopamine.
DaTscan is injected into the patients bloodstream and eventually circulates to the brain.
This indicates the loss of dopamine-containing nerve cells within the brain, a hallmark of the disease.
However, DaTscan and SPECT specifically visualize to what capacity dopamine is being utilized in the brain.
These medications–such as carbidopa-levodopa, ropinirole, pramipexole, or rotigotine–treat the loss of dopamine.
A positive response to the therapy is a sign of the proper diagnosis.
However, these neurological exam findings can sometimes be unclear.
For example, some people may also experienceessential tremor, which are tremors that occur during movement.
The DaTscan may be of benefit in situations like these when symptoms overlap.
DaTscan and SPECT are not recommended for those with hypersensitivities or allergies to iodine.
DaTscan is also not a good option for people with reduced kidney or liver function.
Typically, medications used as dopaminergic therapies can continue to be used.
It will also best to remove all metallic jewelry before the scan.
The DaTscan will then be injected into your bloodstream.
You will likely be asked to lie quietly on your back for about 20 minutes during the SPECT scan.
DaTscan used during SPECT scanning may be a good alternative to help alleviate this confusion.
Keep in mind that like in any medical test, DaTscans can result in false positives and false negatives.
American Parkinsons Disease Association.What is a DaTscan and Should I Get One?
2013;2(1):2934.
Kagi G, Bhatia KP, and Tolosa E.The role of DAT-SPECT in movement disorders.J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry.
2010;81(1):5-12. doi:10.1136/jnnp.2008.157370.
GE HealthCare.Datscan (Ioflupane I123 Injection).
Parkinsons Foundation.What’s Hot in PD?
An Update on DAT Scanning for Parkinsons Disease Diagnosis.
