A brain positron emission tomography (PET) scan is an imaging test that uses a radioactive substance (called a tracer) to look for disease or injury in the brain.
Unlike magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans, which reveal the structure of the brain, a PET scan shows how the brain and its tissues are working.
Alternative NamesBrain nuclear medicine scan; Brain positron emission tomography
How the test is performedThe health care provider will inject a small amount of a radioactive material into one of your veins, usually on the inside of the elbow. Or you may inhale the radioactive material as a gas. The substance travels through the blood and collects in the tissues of the brain.
You will be asked to wait nearby as the radioactive substance is absorbed by your body. This usually takes about 1 hour.
Then, you will lie down on a table that slides into a tunnel-shaped hole in the center of the PET scanner.
The PET machine detects energy given off by the radioactive substance and changes it into 3-dimensional pictures. The images are sent to a computer, where they are displayed on a monitor for the health care provider to read.
You must lie still during the PET scan so that the machine can produce clear images of your brain. You may be asked to read or name letters if your memory is being tested.
The test takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours.
How to prepare for the testYou must sign a consent form before having this test. You will be told not to eat anything for 4 - 6 hours before the PET scan, although you will be able to drink water.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.
Also tell your doctor about any prescription and over-the-counter medicines that you are taking, because they may interfere with the test.
Be sure to mention if you have any Allergies, or if you've had any recent imaging studies using injected dye (contrast).
People with Diabetes who take insulin injections will need special preparation. Call the PET scan office the day before the study for instructions.
During the test, you may need to wear a hospital gown. Take off any jewelry, dentures, and other metal objects because they could affect the scan results.
How the test will feelYou will feel a sharp prick when the needle with the radioactive substance is inserted into your vein. You shouldn't feel anything during the actual PET scan.
Why the test is performedA PET scan can reveal the size, shape, and function of the brain, so your doctor can make sure it is working as well as it should. It is most often used when other tests, such as MRI scan or CT scan, do not provide enough information.
This test can be used to:
Several PET scans may be taken to determine how well you're responding to treatment for cancer or another illness.
Normal ValuesThere are no problems detected in the size, shape, or function of the brain. There are no areas in which the radiotracer has abnormally collected.
What abnormal results meanAbnormal results may be due to:
The amount of radiation used in a PET scan is low. It is about the same amount of radiation as in most CT scans. Also, the radiation doesn't last for very long in your body.
However, women who are pregnant or are breastfeeding should let their doctor know before having this test. Infants and fetuses are more sensitive to the effects of radiation because their organs are still growing.
Before receving the contrast, tell your health care provider if you take the diabetes medication metformin (Glucophage) because you may need to take extra precautions.
It is possible, although very unlikely, to have an allergic reaction to the radioactive tracer. Let your doctor know if you have ever had an allergic reaction to injected contrast dye. Some people have pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site.
Special considerationsIt is possible to have false results on a PET scan. Blood sugar or insulin levels may affect the test results in people with diabetes.
Most PET scans are now performed along with a CT scan. This combination scan is called a PET/CT.
ReferencesFoldvary-Schaefer N, Wyllie E. Epilepsy. In: Goetz GC. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 52.
Small GW, Bookheimer SY, Thompson PM, Cole GM, Hung SC, Kepe V, et al. Current and future uses of neuroimaging for cognitively impaired patients. Lancet Neurol. 2008;7:161-172.
Wahl RL. Imaging. In: Abeloff MD, Armitage JO, Niederhuber JE, Kastan MB, McKenna WG. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier;2008:chap 21.
A brain positron emission tomography (PET) scan is an imaging test that uses a radioactive substance (called a tracer) to look for disease or injury in the brain.
Unlike magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans, which reveal the structure of the brain, a PET scan shows how the brain and its tissues are working.
Alternative NamesBrain positron emission tomography; PET scan - brain
How the test is performedA PET scan requires a small amount of radioactive material (tracer). This tracer is given through a vein (IV), usually on the inside of your elbow. Or you may breathe in the radioactive material as a gas.
The tracer travels through your blood and collects in organs and tissues. The tracer helps the radiologist see certain areas or diseases more clearly.
You will need to wait nearby as the tracer is absorbed by your body. This usually takes about 1 hour.
Then, you will lie on a narrow table, which slides into a large tunnel-shaped scanner. The PET scanner detects signals from the tracer. A computer changes the results into 3-D pictures. The images are displayed on a monitor for your doctor to read.
You must lie still during test so that the machine can produce clear images of your brain. You may be asked to read or name letters if your memory is being tested.
The test takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours.
How to prepare for the testYou may be asked not to eat anything for 4 - 6 hours before the scan. You will be able to drink water.
Tell your health care provider if:
Always tell your health care provider about the medicines you are taking, including those bought without a prescription. Sometimes, medications may interfere with the test results.
How the test will feelYou may feel a sharp sting when the needle containing the tracer is placed into your vein.
A PET scan causes no pain. The table may be hard or cold, but you can request a blanket or pillow.
An intercom in the room allows you to speak to someone at any time.
There is no recovery time, unless you were given a medicine to relax.
Why the test is performedA PET scan can reveal the size, shape, and function of the brain, so your doctor can make sure it is working as well as it should. It is most often used when other tests, such as MRI scan or CT scan, do not provide enough information.
This test can be used to:
Several PET scans may be taken to determine how well you are responding to treatment for cancer or another illness.
Normal ValuesThere are no problems detected in the size, shape, or function of the brain. There are no areas in which the radiotracer has abnormally collected.
What abnormal results meanAbnormal results may be due to:
The amount of radiation used in a PET scan is low. It is about the same amount of radiation as in most CT scans. Also, the radiation doesn't last for very long in your body.
Women who are pregnant or are breastfeeding should let their doctor know before having this test. Infants and babies developing in the womb are more sensitive to the effects of radiation because their organs are still growing.
It is possible, although very unlikely, to have an allergic reaction to the radioactive substance. Some people have pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site.
Special considerationsIt is possible to have false results on a PET scan. Blood sugar or insulin levels may affect the test results in people with diabetes.
Most PET scans are now performed along with a CT scan. This combination scan is called a PET/CT.
ReferencesSmall GW, Bookheimer SY, Thompson PM, Cole GM, Hung SC, Kepe V, et al. Current and future uses of neuroimaging for cognitively impaired patients. Lancet Neurol. 2008;7:161-172.
Stoessl AJ, Alshehri AM. Neuroimaging: Functional neuroimaging. In: Bradley WG, Daroff RB, Fenichel GM, Jankovic J, eds. Bradley: Neurology in Clinical Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Butterworth-Heinemann Elsevier; 2008:chap 36E.
Wahl RL. Imaging. In: Abeloff MD, Armitage JO, Niederhuber JE, Kastan MB, McKenna WG. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier;2008:chap 21.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 02/05/2011
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Yes, PET scan (positron emission tomography) is a type of imaging test used on humans to visualize how organs and tissues are functioning. It is commonly used in the diagnosis and monitoring of conditions such as cancer, brain disorders, and heart disease.
The technique is called positron emission tomography (PET). It involves injecting a radioactive form of glucose into the bloodstream, which is then taken up by active brain regions. The scanner detects the emitted positrons to create a map of brain activity.
Yes, individuals who are claustrophobic can typically undergo a PET scan. Patients can communicate their concerns with the medical staff beforehand, who can provide support and potentially offer medication to help reduce anxiety. Some facilities also have open-style PET scanners that may be more comfortable for those with claustrophobia.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a method of studying the brain that involves the insertion of radioactive glucose sugar into a vein. This technique is used to measure brain activity by tracking the metabolism of glucose in different regions of the brain.
Electroencephalography (EEG) is commonly used in sleep studies to measure brain activity. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) can also provide insight into brain activity during sleep, though they are less common in sleep research due to their limitations in capturing real-time brain activity.
PET scan
Yes it does cover the brain.
Positron Emission Tomography
PET scan
MRI
A PET scan is a scan of the brain to see what's going on inside. It is used for cancer patients to find out exactly where the tumor is and make surgery easier.
A brain imaging technique is a method used to visualize and examine the structure and function of the brain. Examples include MRI, CT scan, PET scan, and fMRI. These techniques are valuable in diagnosing neurological disorders, studying brain activity, and understanding the brain's anatomy.
The technique is called positron emission tomography (PET). It involves injecting a radioactive form of glucose into the bloodstream, which is then taken up by active brain regions. The scanner detects the emitted positrons to create a map of brain activity.
Yes, PET scan (positron emission tomography) is a type of imaging test used on humans to visualize how organs and tissues are functioning. It is commonly used in the diagnosis and monitoring of conditions such as cancer, brain disorders, and heart disease.
The most common procedure that monitors glucose uptake in the brain is the PET scan. See Wikipedia for more on this procedure.
Do you mean, what is the application of a PET scanner? then... It is used mostly to detect heart/brain diseases and tumors, but is also used for many more things.
the two procedures are the PET scan and the fMRI