Exam: Perfusion Brain Scan

Perfusion Brain Scan Description

Duration: 2 hour(s)

This is a specialized “nuclear medicine” CT of the brain used to examine blood flow to the parenchyma of the brain in the presence of suspected stroke or ischemia.

What is Nuclear Medicine?

Nuclear medicine is a type of diagnostic exam whereby images are acquired by tracking the distribution of radioactive material in the body.  The radioactive isotope is injected at the start of the test.  A Gamma camera is used to detect the rays emitted by the radioactive material.  Most of the radioactive isotopes injected into the patient’s body is eliminated via urine and the intensity of radioactivity diminishes over time.

An appointment is necessary for all Nuclear Medicine/Nuclear Cardiac examinations.

Preparation

No caffeine 24 hours prior to appointment.