How many of you have had SPECT scans? How did the procedure go? What difference did it make in your treatment?
I am scheduled for one next week and question the necessity.
PS > I know I posted a version of this question previously, but I'm really hoping for more input.
Thanks LM
Posted by Aligondo Bruce (Member # 6219) on :
Since most of the tests for Bb and related illnesses are VERY UNRELIABLE, a spect scan can sometimes be a godsend for a patient by clearly demonstrating a physical pathologic process.
However, spect is not specific for lyme. also, some patients who clearly have an encephalopathy will have normal or near-normal spects. In this case getting a scan could theoretically work against you.
In general, I would recommend getting a spect if you have serious neuro and psych issues, likely requiring intensive IV therapy. It can dramatically assist in getting physicians, family members, and insurance companies to understand your complaints as being physical in nature as opposed to 'all in your head'. Unless you are a coke addict, an abnormal spect with global hypoperfusion is a significant sign of organic pathological process in brain.
However...you must make sure you obtain a SPECT which uses high resolution equipment and which is to be reviewed by physicians with expertise in evaluating neurological lyme disease. Otherwise, again, it might work against you. Your llmd should be aware of these factors.
Posted by Aligondo Bruce (Member # 6219) on :
oh...you asked about the procedure itself. SPECTS are annoying. It is an unusual process. They will inject you with a weird radioactive substance and have you relax in a dark room while the substance is being absorbed. Later you will be relocated to the actual testing room, and positioned under a device similar to a CT scanner. The obnoxious thing about spects is that you must remain absolutely still for a very long time. It can be a slow process, about 1.5 hours.
Make sure you clear your bladder prior to undergoing the procedure.
If you've ever had an MRI, the process is similar. However, IMO, SPECTS are the worst, they take longer. On the positive side, with a spect you don't really have the clasutraphobia issues you have with MRI.
So, in summary, while annoying, a spect will probably benefit you by providing one more piece to the puzzle and providing objective evidence of organic brain pathology.
Posted by LocalMan (Member # 11648) on :
OK thanks...I know about MRI's and clautrophobia (didn't think I had it until 1st shoulder MRI...oy) so that part sounds doable. Did you take any kind of sedative?
Also, I see conflicting info on how much radiation is involved. I know CT scans have been predicted to increase cancer rates. I have not had a CT but I did have a bunch of x-rays done last spring by a (non-llmd) orthopedist. I am leery of more radiation.
Have others seen reliable info on the radiation involved in a SPECT scan?
Posted by Aligondo Bruce (Member # 6219) on :
I think SPECTS use Tc-99 in a low dose. the amount of radiation is negligible. I want to say they told me that what they use in brain spect is the lowest possible dilution used in radiologic medicine.
I'm sure it's not exactly the healthiest thing you could do to your body, but the technicians told me that I was probably doing myself more damage by visiting NYC and breathing the air than by taking a spect. And unlike the contrast used in past CT and MRI brain studies, the injection did not elicit any reaction in me. {the mri/ct contrasts had temporarily superheated my head and neck and caused flushing, bad taste in mouth, feeling of spontaneous combustion, etc.}
Again, you have to weigh that factor against benefits. IMO, any downside is far outweighed by the helpfulness of getting a scan.
wrt a sedative...I can't remember if they offered me one or not, but in my experience, any time you get one of these types of scans you will probably have that option. If they don't mention a sedative as a possibility, ask for one. Radiology departments always have that on hand. Just make up a story about how you almost freaked out the last time you had something done and act really nervous and twitchy.
Really the SPECT could freak you out if you are claustrophobic. The camera thingy hovers right above your head like an evil robot and slowly moves around as if it is assessing your head for evil alien robot implant possibilities.
Posted by sonicbmx (Member # 12949) on :
LM.. don't sweat the SPECT.. you'll be fine. my recent SPECTS took 20 mins each (Concentration & Resting.. done 24 hrs apart).
they were done at AmenClinics.com. not sure where you're going but AC has state of the art equip (which is key).
email me directly and i can send you AC's test details as well as my results (also posted somewhere on this board).
my SPECT results got me IV treatment.. and recovery is going quite well. -- sonicbmx
Posted by CatWoman (Member # 10900) on :
yeah spect scan for me was one of the easiest tests i've had done. it didn't take me an hour and a half. it seemed to go by really quickly.
i had no idea ct scans were so unhealthy. i saw an article about them in the paper the other day. my dentist had me do ct scan for my tmj. i am going to say no more ct scans!