What are these scans like? Wanting to know if there are IVs, does it take a long time, does it hurt in any way, etc.

Would a disability insurance carrier accept this sort of documentation to establish disability? I already have extensive neuropsychological testing documenting cognitive problems.

The MRI was normal, but my SPECT was showed slightly decreased flow in my left basal ganglia. I looked the basal ganglia and it suggests that i have ADD, which i have already been diagnosed with.

My LLMD said it was not a pattern of something that might be lyme related. She said LD shows up in many different places.

The SPECT test is pretty easy. You lay on a table for around 15-20 min. They will inject you with this medicine which will help so your blood flow. You have to wait about an hour. Then you lay on the table again for about another 20 min. And your done.

I kinda got a funny taste in my mouth from the medicine but that was it.

Good luck to you,

Jordan

I have heard it depends on who does the test and who reads it, I did have mine done at two different places though.

I was positive mine would come back abnormal.

Will be interesting to see what mine reveals. One of the biggest reasons I am getting it is to help establish that I have had brain damage from Lyme. I have had a neuropsych eval which documents severe cognitive dysfunction. But, even so, my LTD carrier has chosen to refer me for another neuropsych eval with a psychologist of their choice. I can only assume this is to show that my first one wasn't correct. So they can say I can work, thus cut benefits. So, just trying to counter their efforts.

Anyone else have any opinions on testing which might help document brain problems considering my situation? My doc said he could schedule a PET scan if needed, but depends on what happens with the SPECT.

As much as possible, just want my ducks in a row. These LTD carriers are all world class scumbags. I know that for a fact, as I used to do vocational assessments for LTD and workers' comp carriers for a living.

I've had brain spect scans done at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in NY.

I have been there two times and will make the trip again when I need to go back from NH
(well wroth the trip).

I had many MRI before this and nothing ever showed up besides the symtoms of brain damage.

I will post the results of my first brain spect scan for you, hope this helps give you an idea of what to expect from a report, or at least my report.

Exam: M3NM Brain Spect
Clinical Information: Lyme VS MS, H/A

There is severe, global, cortical hypoperfusion with heterogeneity. The hypoperfusion involves the white matter.

IMPRESSION:

1. Severe, global, cortical hypoperfusion with heterogeneity. This perfusion pattern is consistent with encephalitis or vasculitis, such as from infections e.g. Lyme disease, autoimmune causes or secondary to some medications.

did you have a referral from your local PCP? I live in the boston area and i am interested in having one done there - how do i go about doing that?

It was my Lyme Dr. that sent and made arrangements for me to have it done at in NY. I do know my insurance co. did cover the cost of it.