How Does Brain PET Help Diagnose Neurological Disorders?
Brain PET scans help diagnose neurological disorders by assessing the brain’s metabolism and function at the cellular level. Unlike conventional imaging techniques, such as CT or MRI, which focus on structural images, Brain PET scans provide a unique view of how the brain is working. During a Brain PET scan, a small amount of radioactive tracer is injected into the bloodstream, which emits positrons. These positrons are detected by the scanner, creating images that show areas of high or low activity in the brain. This allows healthcare providers to see abnormal brain function even when there are no visible structural changes.
This functional imaging capability makes Brain PET particularly valuable in diagnosing diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and epilepsy, where the brain's function is altered before noticeable physical changes occur. For instance, in Alzheimer's disease, Brain PET can detect reduced glucose metabolism in regions of the brain responsible for memory and cognition. Similarly, in Parkinson’s disease, it can help identify dysfunction in areas of the brain involved in movement control. By providing a more detailed and accurate view of brain function, Brain PET allows for earlier and more precise diagnoses, leading to better patient outcomes through targeted treatment plans.
