What a DAT scan? had brain scan- But never heard of DAT scan-thanks x

[dubdiva]

[Hidden]

dat scan is a neuclear injection into your arm and a few hrs later you have your scan . it shows the area that holds dopamine that other scans dont , . it is positive that a person has parkinsons if there is absence of dopamine uusualy when a person gets symptoms 80 percent is gone . hope this reply helps xx

[WayneP]

If you are in the US, there are few sites were the scan is being offered and fewer doctors with the experience of reading those scans as European doctors since this is very new to the states. Rule of thumb here, if you have had PD for any amount of time and drug therapy is working for you, the scan is not worth the time or money. You got PD. This scan is a tool really for new cases.

Wayne

[srarndt]

Another guideline here is whether or not your PD is presenting in a way where the symptomology seems conclusive enough (without the scan) and if (like WayneP commented) the meds are somewhat successful at minimizing the negative impacts of PD. I must disagree a tiny wee bit about it being a tool for new cases. While it might indeed provide clarity in new cases (again especially those which are not presenting in a fairly typical way and where the meds do not seem to help much) the scan is also very beneficial for older cases that have been presenting in very atypical fashion and consequently stymieing the doctors efforts at developing a conclusive diagnosis. For example: I run a small (12 person) PD support group in my town and three of my longer term members had the scan after years of bouncing around from neurologist to neurologist without a definitive diagnosis.

Steve (Bisbee, AZ)

[LizaJane]

i recently had this done, its the first testing for PD. its for imaging of dopamine. my dr wanted me to have to make sure i hade PD because i was so young.