Spect scan question.

[Sunrise58]

I am awaiting a spect scan on my spine as a CT has shown a twist at T5. Will a spect scan show nerve damage as my pain is chronic, no tablets work and it feels like damaged nerves.

[bridgeit]

Well, it's probably the one scan I've never had, but my understanding is that this type of scan is very detailed indeed and particularly good at locating specific areas of irregularity that other scans can miss.

Your medics are certainly being thorough.

Fingers crossed for you that the problem is found and appropriate treatment identified.

[Ricky99]

Hi you a ct scan won't show any nerve intrapment or damage you need to have an mri maybe even an mri with contrast dye for that matter.

[Sunrise58 in reply to Ricky99]

Hi, yeah I know. I've had a CT and MRI and they,ve shown a twist in my spine but a spect scan I believe is more detailed. I'm hoping that is going to reveal more.

[Hidden]

I’m not remotely medically qualified, but my understanding is that spect/ct primarily maps organ function, bones, and blood flow to and from organs or structures within the body. It’s really good for identifying spinal inflammation and bony deformities, and you might get some information regarding nerve involvement based on any inflammation picked up or extra details regarding the nature of any structural abnormality, but I’m not aware of it having much direct indication specifically for nerve related pain. I believe I’m right in saying that MRI still remains the best option for visualising and identifying nerve involvement. However, if there is nothing obvious on spect/ct to explain your pain, it might lend itself to picking up nerve based issues by excluding anything else that could be responsible? Just a thought.

[Sunrise58 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, that,s really helpful. You,re right about the blood flow thing as the doc said that to me too. Here,s hoping they find something.