DAT SCAN

[Darkflower]

Will having a DAT SCAN done diagnose whether or not I have Parkinson's Disease?

[WinnieThePoo]

The only definitive diagnosis of Parkinson's disease is an autopsy. A datscan is probably the next most reliable diagnosis

[MBAnderson]

But, even then, they may not be reliable of in earliest stages.

[Kwinholt]

For me the DAT Scan was a definite way to see I had PD. My neurologist had the results on the screen and showed me my brain and what they look at . Explained everything and showed the clearly deficit on my left side , which is the side mine started on 6 years ago. Good luck and I’ll be praying that yours will show you don’t have this disease. Take care. Karen

[koshca in reply to Kwinholt]

Same with me.

[mannp]

Mine was inconclusive.

[jeffmayer]

I was diagnosed with a day scan 7 years ago still did the walk and down test and the touch your nose test

[Dobro52]

Hi - I had an MRI scan to exclude a tumour. The scan was clear. That, plus positive response to Sinemet confirmed Parkinson's. So, in my case, diagnosis was as much about exclusion as identifying actual signs and symptoms. The only worrying thing about the scan was the perfectly normal, but still disturbing, amount of age-related brain loss it showed. Felt really ancient.

[LindaP50]

My hubby had a DAT Scan. He originally had chronic lyme disease (well, still does but now also has PD). Some doctors said he had signs of Parkinsonism and/or Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease. Does not have any tremors.

The DAT Scan is reviewed by a radiologist. Shows loss of neurons and dopamine for which the radiologist said early stage Parkinson's Disease.

[mmnucmed01]

The DAT scan is a highly sensitive imaging exam. It The DAT scan is a highly sensitive Imaging exam. It is very conclusive for a alphasynucleinopathy that includes Parkinson’s disease, PSP, MSA, and CBD.

It is also highly sensitive For Lewy body dementia.

It is very good at early detection in a Symptomatic patient because then that means they have already had the disease for many years and then Brann can no longer compensate for the deficiency because they have lost significant DAT protein and neurons in the stratum and that is what the DAT scan detects.

It is an excellent easy to perform test and is used in those cases where physicians are unsure because of other confounding and conflicting presentations of symptoms.

[Boyce3600 in reply to mmnucmed01]

You mentioned that the DAT scan is an easy to perform test.

I was told by two radiologists that it took several hours... that the patient goes in and are injected with something, they then have to wait in office or waiting room an hour and they are watched for reactions to the injection. Next, they can either wait another three hours before the SCAN is begun or they can leave and come back at the end of 3 hours. Is that the way yours was done?

[Kwinholt in reply to Boyce3600]

You are correct in how the DAT Scan is administered. K

[ParlePark in reply to Boyce3600]

Yup. Exactly same.

[Boyce3600 in reply to ParlePark]

i wonder why our used to be movement disorder neurologist never would order one for my husband. It was only after my primary care physician asked her to do it that she said she would but by that time my husband could not tolerate the wait and the back-and-forth so we've never had it done

[Kwinholt in reply to Boyce3600]

I was kind of demanding for a DAT Scan . When I was first diagnosed, I wanted proof and was told that was one of the scans that was instrumental for some PWP diagnosis. And I truly believe at that point I have had signs of PD for a few years prior. But both my husband and I needed proof. My neurologist had my results in the screen and explained in detail what I was looking at. I don’t know if it’s insurance companies (DAT Scans are quite pricey), or availability or what determines why some doctors order scan and others don’t . But again I demanded it . 😊. K

[ParlePark in reply to Boyce3600]

The doc I was first diagnosed with said that scan was very expensive and luckily my insurance at the time covered it. Also said that it wasn’t 100% in all cases.

[PixelPaul]

In the early stages, a levodopa response test can give a more accurate diagnosis of PD.

[AmyLindy in reply to PixelPaul]

...A lot less invasive/hassle!

[SELFMeder]

Yes. It confirmed my case and got me started taking remedial action seriously. It was positive in that way. Four years later my early on set PD symptoms have been greatly reduced.

[Brills3]

My brother was given a diagnosis of Parkinson's based on the dopamine levels on the datscan...but I have a question about the diagnosis based on the response of dopamine...I've always wondered if that's a good diagnosis tool...wouldn't most people respond positively with extra dopamine?

[Maltipom]

I was prescribed a DAT scan by my original neurologist.... I was never shown results just told that it was abnormal. I think I'll ask for a look see the time next I see my movement disorder specialist. I have no doubt about my having PD... I would just like see what it showed.

[jeffmayer]

Problem is pd is hard to diagnose

[Alwezonmymind]

Darkflower, my MDS neurologist said a DAT scan doesn’t prove PD. It shows that you’re deficient in dopamine, which could be caused by dystonia or a non-PD type of Parkinsonism. He gave me medication (Mirapex) that helped my symptoms, so that’s how he diagnosed me, along with physical exam, family history, etc. Good luck in getting a firm diagnosis!