Brain Scan FAQ

1. Why do a Brain Scan?

A Brain Scan is an additional tool that supplies objective diagnostic information to your treating clinician that can help provide you with better healthcare. Think of it this way. If you had a broken leg and your doctor wanted to treat you without getting an x-ray how would you feel about the treatment you are receiving? Why should your brain be any different?

2. How would a Brain Scan help me if I already have a diagnosis?

If you have a proper diagnosis and feel like you are being properly treated, other than being a further objective confirmation of your diagnosis, a Brain Scan is probably not necessary. However, if you have a diagnosis but you still feel "out of sorts" or "not quite right", then you may not have yet obtained a full diagnosis of all of the conditions that may be hampering your full access to your brain. This is where we believe brain imaging can be an enormous help to your treating clinician by being able to identify what other conditions may be present in your brain. With this information, you and your clinician can more quickly and easily design a treatment plan that works for you.

3. Do I need a referral from my physician?

No. Individuals can be referred by their physician or other treating clinician (such as a psychologist, counselor or clinical social worker). Individuals can also "self-refer" and arrangements will be made to assure appropriate follow-up care based on the findings.

4. How long does the procedure take?

The procedure itself takes around 10 to 15 minutes.

5. Will the test cause me any pain or discomfort?

Generally there should be no pain or discomfort associated with Brain Scanning.

6. Are there any side affects or risks associated with this procedure?

There is a slight possibility that an individual could experience a mild rash, facial redness and swelling, fever and an increase in blood pressure. These side effects happen in only a small percentage of people and go away quickly. The amount of radiation exposure from one Brain Scan is approximately the same as the amount of radiation you would receive in an airplane going from New York to Los Angeles.

7. How will Brain Scan help my clinician in treating me?

The Brain Scan images gives the treating clinician additional information about the functioning of your brain that can aid in making a proper diagnosis and thus guide more effective treatment.

8. What can I expect on the day of my scan?

When you arrive, a member of the staff will confirm basic demographic information with you. This will take approximately 15 to 30 minutes and will also allow you time to ask any questions you might have. You will then be taken to a quiet, comfortable room where a small intravenous line is started through which the imaging agent (the drug that allows the equipment to "see" brain activity) is injected. Shortly thereafter the imaging agent is injected. After a 45 minute waiting period (you are free to go back to the waiting room during this time) you will be taken into the camera room. This room is climate controlled and set-up to be relaxing. The procedure itself takes about 12 minutes. If you are scheduled for a second scan, you will come back to the center approximately 30 hours later for a repeat scan, this time after doing a brief task that requires you to focus. This resting and concentration study allows the clinician to look at your brain in a "quiet" state and contrast it with an "active" state.

9. How will I get the results of the test?

The center's medical director will read the scan and write a report. A clinician will meet with you (and your treating clinician if you so choose) to interpret the results, the doctors report and the treatment implications.

10. How can Brain Scan imaging be helpful when dealing with Alzheimer's or dementia?

Recent scientific studies have shown that Brain Scan imaging can be one of the most sensitive ways to detect Alzheimer's disease when it is in its early stages. These studies have shown decreased blood perfusion in the medial temporal lobes bilaterally and in the parietal lobes bilaterally. These changes can be noted even before the patient becomes significantly symptomatic with their disease process. Coupled with the observation that the earlier the intervention in Alzheimer's the better the long-term prognosis, this would imply a very useful role for Brain Scan imaging detecting early signs of dementia or Alzheimer's and eventually prolonging the quality of life.

11. Will My insurance company pay for the scan?

Although insurance plans vary considerably, plans will usually pay for Brain Scans when they are used to rule out brain injury or trauma as the basis for a particular disorder. Additionally, traditional applications for disorders like stroke and dementia are often covered. Our staff will work with you to arrange payment options. It is always best to check with your particular carrier regarding specific coverage or exclusion.