Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or another mental health condition and wondering if brain imaging might be helpful for you? Brain SPECT scans can be beneficial in many ways for people with psychiatric symptoms, especially compared with other types of brain imaging. Here’s a quick look at how SPECT differs from other types of brain imaging.
SPECT
What is it?
Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is a nuclear medicine study that measures blood flow and activity in the brain.
What does it show?
SPECT shows how the brain functions and reveals areas of the brain with healthy activity, too much activity, or too little activity. SPECT is commonly used in medical settings to evaluate brain trauma, dementia, and cerebral vascular disease, and also for epilepsy patients undergoing surgery. Based on findings from the world’s largest database of functional brain scans related to behavior, SPECT has also shown to be useful in evaluating the subtypes of ADD/ADHD, depression, and anxiety; substance abuse; exposure to toxins; violence; and complex mental health problems, or treatment-resistant psychiatric issues. Among SPECT’s many benefits, it averages brain activity levels over a few minutes, making it ideal for evaluating brain function during everyday activities, such as concentrating, meditating, reading.
Some of the additional ways SPECT can help include:
- Decreasing shame and stigma
- Improving compliance
- Breaking denial
- Helping prevent treatment mistakes
- Offering hope that you can change your brain
MRI
What is it?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to view parts of the brain.
What does it show?
The 3-D pictures produced can show problems in the anatomical structure of the brain or brain stem, such as tumors, cysts, blood vessel problems, inflammation, swelling, or infections. MRI does not give any information on brain function, which limits its effectiveness in providing useful information on conditions involving behavior or emotions. In addition, MRI scanners can feel claustrophobic and are very noisy, which causes anxiety for some people.
fMRI
What is it?
Functional MRI, or fMRI, is a type of MRI that measures blood flow and brain activity. The fMRI is a very expensive tool that has become popular for scientific research but is not as commonly used in clinical settings.
What does it show?
fMRI shows neural activity in real-time, showing how the brain responds to various stimuli. Like an MRI, the procedure can be uncomfortable and loud and can make people feel anxious.
PET
What is it?
PET (positron emission tomography) is a nuclear imaging technology that is similar to SPECT in that it is a functional brain scan, but it is more costly.
What does it show?
Like SPECT, PET scans allow healthcare professionals to view how the brain functions. PET measures blood flow and glucose metabolism in the brain. PET scans are often used to check for cancerous tumors or to see if cancer elsewhere in the body has spread to the brain. They are also used to investigate epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and other dementias, traumatic brain injuries, and movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.
Amen Clinics has the world’s largest database of functional brain scans related to emotional, behavioral, and learning issues and utilizes brain SPECT imaging as part of a comprehensive evaluation. SPECT scans allow us to more accurately diagnose and more effectively treat our patients.
Learn more about how a brain scan could help you overcome conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and traumatic brain injury by calling 888-288-9834 or schedule a visit.
Hello,
I want to know how I can help my husband who had a brain injury as an infant and is now 58 years old. For the 38 years we’ve been married, he has become increasingly more hostile angry outbursts in his behavior. I don’t know what to do. We live in Maine and I would like to have him have a spect test but we don’t have the financial resources to pay for it. Is there any way he could be seen by a dr without having the test and put on medication to help?
He is on a antidepressant but it doesn’t seem to be working.
Please direct me to some help as I am desperate to have things get better.
Thank you
Comment by Amy — August 15, 2019 @ 5:46 AM
Would brain Spect Imaging be able to help in treating tinnitis/ear problems?
Comment by Millie Dingham — August 30, 2019 @ 4:35 AM
I am a psychiatrist and have a woman with what I would consider refractory depression, attempting a variety of medications as well as Ketamine, all with limited if any response. She lives here in Indianapolis, and was wondering what your closet facility would be she might be able to be evaluated at. Any help would be greatly appreciated by both the patient and this MD. Sincerely, Terry M. Parrish, MD
Comment by Terry Parrish, MD — August 30, 2019 @ 5:07 AM
I have been diagnosed with small vessel ischemic disease. I there a cure or treatment. My only symptom is loss of balance. Thanks
Comment by Mary Simpson — August 30, 2019 @ 6:30 AM
I have been involved in a head on collision and experiencing, high anxiety, insomnia, fear of driving, depression, panics.
Is there a payment plan with your program? I would like to test my brain.
Grace
Comment by Grace Granda — August 30, 2019 @ 1:18 PM
What is the cost of the brain scan? I live in Laguna Woods, Ca where is the closest location to me?
Comment by Loretta Kelly — September 4, 2019 @ 5:03 PM
Hi. I had a similar problem . I went to our doctor indicating that I had lost my balance and could not stand up . He asked me how I felt at that time .I said that when I ate food my jaw felt very tired . He immediately said that is the symptom of Giant cell disease or Temporal Arthritis.
It turned out that he was correct. This effects the eye. The left blood vessel on my temple was blocked a biopsy was taken to prove it . Had to go on 60mg of Prednesone,Asprin and etc. and reduce amount every month . If it is this disease it is essential that you get on to medication quickly as you may loose your eye sight in that eye.
Hope you get better and regards. I look after my wife with dementia at home and it is quite important to keep well.
Regards
Con Micallef
New Zealand
Comment by Con Micallef — September 4, 2019 @ 11:17 PM
Pretty sure HBOT (hyperbaric oxygen) helps with that. It helps the body grow new blood vessels everywhere, including the brain. Depending on where you live, you might be lucky enough to live by a “non-hospital” center so you could get treated in a “hospital grade” chamber (100% oxygen at 2.0 ATM or higher), or it’s easier to find “bag oxygen” to rent, which is condensed oxygen from room air (about 40-45%) and pressure only up to 1.5 ATM. Neither one will be covered by insurance.
Comment by Diane Kim — September 11, 2019 @ 8:07 AM
Hi I’m in Maine also in the same situation but also with adhd, ptsd. I am interested in in this also your husband is not alone !
Comment by Ronald Kelley — September 16, 2019 @ 5:56 PM
I know this is kind of off-the-wall but they have recently discovered that intermittent explosive disorder which was once thought to be a mental condition is actually due to parasites in the brain. I was able to go to the Amen Clinic and that’s one of the things that they have you tested for because it can mimic a mental disorder
Comment by Lisa Handley — September 19, 2019 @ 7:25 PM
How very decent, respectful and humble of you to obviously care more about your patients than having a good complex and being too good to ask.
Comment by Lisa Handley — September 19, 2019 @ 7:29 PM
Hbots are wonderful. I pray you have the opportunity to get in one. Good luck
Comment by Lisa Handley — September 19, 2019 @ 7:30 PM
He should be taking lots of Magnisium Glycinate to keep him calm. Its a mineral that 80% of Americans are deficient on. Make sure its Magnisium Glycinate. He should take atleast 500mg daily. Also, vitamin B6 before bed time. These supplements will help immensely. Good luck
.
Comment by Edwin Rivera — October 18, 2019 @ 5:51 AM
I found Dr. Amen’s book: Memory Rescue to be invaluable. Have you read it? It’s more than Memory… a more accurate title for the book would be The Humans Guide to Caring for the Brain. It’s that good. I’m not sure how quickly I can get to his clinic, but I’m going to follow the instructions for all 10 aspects of brain health. And then get to the clinic as fast as I can.
I took the free online tests and I am high risk for memory disorders, so I’m handling it before it starts.
Once you get a referral from your main doctor for neurological help, you can get the insurance codes from Amen Clinics and see if your insurance covers it. Follow the neurologists procedures (they usually have to do a series of appointments) get your referral and give it a try
I took the book into my doctor’s office and my overall plan is to get the referral to Amen clinic.
My doctor had never seen it and was very curious.
Call the clinic and start the ball rolling. Don’t wait.
Best of luck to you! Love your brain and change your life!
Comment by Marta — October 18, 2019 @ 10:29 PM
Hello! I’m wondering if there is anything in this SPECT Scan I should be concerned about. Any input world be GRATEFULLY appreciated!
Signs and Symptoms/Comments:
Chronic bilateral low back pain without sciatica
Technique:
Two-and-one-half hours after the IV injection of 17.68 mCi Tc-99m
MDP, planar and SPECT/CT images were obtained of the lumbar spine.
Findings:
There is redemonstration of levoscoliotic curvature of the lumbar
spine with posterior fusion hardware spanning the L3-L5 levels.
There is no significant radiotracer uptake identified at the spinal
hardware and the hardware appears intact.
There is mild radiotracer uptake identified at the right L5-S1
facet. Mild radiotracer uptake is also identified on the left at
T10-11 and T11-12. Moderate uptake is identified involving the L1-2
disc space, with less significant uptake at the T12/L1 disc space.
Calcifications are present in the region of the mitral annulus. The
patient is post cholecystectomy. Atherosclerosis is present, without
evidence of aneurysm.
IMPRESSION:
1. Most notable uptake is identified at the L1-2 disc space, with
associated degenerative changes. Mild uptake also noted at the
T12-L1 disc space.
2. Mild facet uptake identified on the right at L5-S1 and on the
left at T10-11 and T11-12.
3. No significant uptake identified involving the posterior spinal
fusion at L3-L5.
4. Atherosclerosis.
I have personally reviewed the images and the above interpretation
and agree with the findings.
Comment by Deborah bogaert — November 13, 2019 @ 8:45 PM
I know I have arthrosclerosis. I know I have all kinds of back issues. Is there anything here more than that? Thank you!!
Comment by Deborah Bogaert — November 13, 2019 @ 8:48 PM
What is more dangerous to have 3-5 concussions all minor or subconcussive over many years? I’m scared of cte
Comment by Ruben — December 14, 2019 @ 10:05 AM
would your scans show brain implants?
Comment by jane — January 15, 2020 @ 6:51 AM
I had an anoxious brain injury over a year ago. Still suffering with depression, memory loss ect… Need more help but don’t know what else to do. I am going to buy your book. It sounds wonderful. I just need some direction in life. A good purpose and plan. How much does it cost to come see you and get a scan? My husband said that the hospital in Greeley had one done but I don’t have access to them. I was taken large doses of oxycotin and oxycodone and pretty much fried my brain. I think that I am very lucky to be alive. God must really love me. My husband has been more than patient with me and he understands allot of it because he had a TBI several years ago. If you have anything else to add I’d greatly appreciate hearing. Thank you.
Thank you very much,
Laura Hamilton, Sterling Colorado
Comment by Laura Hamilton — January 26, 2020 @ 10:20 AM
Where could I buy I used book?
Comment by Laura Hamilton — January 26, 2020 @ 10:22 AM
Dear Amy,
I understand your frustration. My late husband suffered a severe bi temporal brain injury in 1996. A time when most doctors still believed the brain could not heal. The brain heals however it is slow and requires commitment.
We live in a time of pills. Meds and brain injuries don’t always mix. If your husband has lived, worked, and stayed married for 38 years his injury and outburst are probably more do to his overall health.
I am not a doctor, but I have studied the brain and all
non-traditional medical alternatives to help the brain. Mood swings, angry outburst can be result of poor nutrition in someone without a brain injury.
EXERCISE, sleep. Vitamins, a pure, organic diet high in low fat protein to feed the brain. Smaller more frequent meals to keep the blood sugar levels balanced.
No alcohol, no diet drinks, no processed foods these KILL brain cells. Yes I’ll say it again. THEY KILL BRAIN CELLS. Brain health depends so much on feeding the brain. Acupuncture can can help tremendously with mood swings. Homeopathic Meds can control blood pressure problems which severely affects the brains balance. Yoga, meditation, simple walks, there are no quick fixes when it comes to the brain. The brain runs the body. If your asking it to take care of a rundown sick, malnutrition body and try to heal itself. You are asking to much.
My husband was never suppose to live, walk or talk.
He was resuscitated 6 times in one week, was operated on, had gray matter removed, 6 weeks in a drug induced coma,12 in ICU, 12weeks at Craig’s hospital and three months in an advanced cognitive rehab in Calif
. No he did not return to his full self. However he was driving in 9 months, and he went back to work as an accountant, a totally different field, less stress if you can believe that. It took work, from both of us.
I used every possible method available. Acupuncture in the ICU unit and until he died. Aromatherapy to calm the brain and focus it. Massages, reflexology homeopathic Your husband can get better but he has to want to, you can help only to a point. Brain health is a commitment your not going to get there on a single pill.
Good luck,
Carol
Comment by Carol — May 29, 2020 @ 5:09 AM
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