Tremor, slowed movement, muscle stiffness and balance changes can have several possible causes. A neurological examination and medical history remain central to evaluating these symptoms, but a physician may recommend DaTscan imaging when the clinical picture is unclear.
For patients considering a DaTscan for Parkinson’s disease near Cumberland or Hagerstown, Maryland, understanding what the study measures and when it may be useful can make the referral process easier.
A DaTscan may provide supporting information, but it does not diagnose Parkinson’s disease by itself.
What Does a DaTscan Measure
DaTscan is a specialized nuclear medicine examination performed with single-photon emission computed tomography, or SPECT. A small amount of radiotracer is administered before a gamma camera captures images of dopamine transporter activity in areas of the brain involved in movement.
The scan evaluates the brain’s dopamine system rather than simply imaging a tremor or measuring the severity of symptoms. This functional information is different from the structural detail provided by MRI.
What Can a DaTscan Show
DaTscan can show whether dopamine transporter activity appears preserved or reduced. Reduced activity may support the presence of a neurodegenerative parkinsonian syndrome. Essential tremor generally does not produce the same pattern, which is why DaTscan may be helpful when physicians are trying to distinguish between these conditions.
The result is only one part of the evaluation. The neurologist or referring physician interprets the images alongside the patient’s symptoms, medical history and neurological findings.
What Does a Normal DaTscan Mean
A normal DaTscan generally shows preserved dopamine transporter activity. Depending on the patient’s symptoms and examination, this may make a neurodegenerative parkinsonian syndrome less likely and encourage the physician to consider another explanation for the movement symptoms.
A normal result does not explain every possible cause of tremor, stiffness or balance problems. Additional clinical evaluation or other testing may still be appropriate.
Does an Abnormal DaTscan Confirm Parkinsons Disease
No. An abnormal DaTscan indicates reduced dopamine transporter activity, but that finding is not specific to Parkinson’s disease.
Other degenerative parkinsonian disorders can also cause an abnormal pattern, so the scan generally cannot identify the exact disorder responsible.
Parkinson’s disease is usually evaluated clinically. Imaging can support the diagnosis or clarify uncertainty, but it should not be interpreted as a stand-alone answer.
When Might a Physician Recommend a DaTscan
A physician may consider DaTscan when movement symptoms are difficult to classify or when the result could influence the next step in care. Symptoms that may lead to an evaluation include:
- Tremor with an uncertain cause
- Slowed movement
- Muscle stiffness
- Balance or coordination changes
- Other unexplained movement problems
Not everyone with possible Parkinson’s symptoms needs a DaTscan. The referring physician determines whether the expected information is likely to be useful based on the examination, symptom pattern and medical history.
What to Expect During DaTscan Imaging
The appointment includes administration of the radiotracer, a waiting period and SPECT imaging. During image acquisition, the patient lies on the imaging table and remains as still as possible while the camera captures images around the head.
Preparation instructions vary. Provide the imaging team with a complete list of medications, supplements, allergies and relevant medical conditions.
Some medications may interfere with dopamine transporter imaging, but do not stop taking anything unless the referring physician or imaging team specifically instructs you to do so.
Patients who are pregnant, may be pregnant or are breastfeeding should notify the care team before the examination.
DaTscan Imaging Near Cumberland and Hagerstown Maryland
Advanced Diagnostic Radiology provides nuclear medicine imaging at 952 Seton Drive, Suite 210, in Cumberland, Maryland. ADR also serves patients seeking advanced diagnostic imaging near Hagerstown and throughout Western Maryland, as well as nearby communities in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
If your physician has recommended a DaTscan for Parkinson’s symptoms, contact ADR to confirm availability, referral requirements and preparation instructions for the ordered study.
Call Advanced Diagnostic Radiology at 301-777-3522 or request an appointment online. Your referring physician can explain why the scan was ordered and how the results fit into your overall evaluation.
