A Brain PET-CT scan is a hybrid diagnostic technique that combines the advantages of both PET Scan and CT scan. It helps in producing even clearer images which can help pinpoint the diseases or disorders happening such as...
A Brain PET-CT scan stands for a positron emission tomography scan. It is a type of nuclear medicine imaging in diagnostic imaging techniques. The nuclear radioactive material used is called the tracer. The most commonly used radioactive tracer is FDG- fluorodeoxyglucose molecule. This molecule gets absorbed into the body cells that consume glucose energy to function, more metabolically active cells consume more radioactive tracer and appear more bright on the resultant images than the less active cells. Cancer cells are usually more active and hence can be detected by the brain PET CT scan.
When is a Brain PET CT Scan Used?
PET-CT scan can help diagnose and evaluate certain brain conditions such as
- Epilepsy- With the help of Brain PET-CT scan your doctor can evaluate the part of the brain which is responsible for causing seizures
- Brain Tumours- PET-CT scan of brain can help evaluate the features of the brain tumour such as its size, location and its functional assessment
- Trauma- Brain PET-CT scan can also help in evaluating how much damage the brain has suffered due to trauma which in turn can help in evaluating its further complications
- It can also help in evaluating the usefulness of certain treatment procedures such as
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- It can also help in assessing whether the cancer has returned.
Brain PET CT Scan Procedure
Before the scan
- Injection of radiopharmaceutical
- First the technologist will explain about the scanning process and details
- Certain amount of radioactive contrast is injected into your vein of your hand or arm
- Once the contrast is absorbed and reaches your brain, it can be detected by the Brain PET-CT scanner.
- Waiting period
- After the injection/catheter is placed in your arm you need to wait for about 30 minutes
- During this period, the radioactive tracer is being utilised by your body.
- You need to stay calm, and quiet during this period- no reading, no talking, no sleeping as this may disturb the distribution of tracers into the brain.
- The lights in the room stay dim to help you relax.
- The Brain PET-CT scan
- You will be taken to the Brain PET-CT suite.
- You will be asked to lie on a scan table
- The scan table will slide into the scanner
- You need to remain still during the scanning so that the images do not get blurred out.
- The technologist keeps monitoring and watching you from another room
- Once the scan is complete, the scan table slides out of the scanner.
- The scanning process usually takes 30 minutes.
What Are the Possible Risks Associated With Brain PET CT Scan?
- The doctors allow you to ask any doubts or questions that you may have before the exam.
- The risks associated with the Brain PET-CT scan is very low as the tests are conducted following standard protocols and trained personnels conduct the exam.
- ALARA principle is followed which states “as low as reasonably achievable”. According to this principle, the radiation dose that may not benefit you are not given to you even if it is the smallest amount.
- You can develop an allergic reaction to the radiotracer being used which may refresh as
- If you feel any of the above symptoms, you should consult your doctor right away as sometimes it may lead to some serious health issues such as anaphylactic shock.
For Free Consultation From the Doctor
Get connected to our doctor directly
- Dr. Ravin Sharma MBBS, MD Radiology
- Phone Number- 9212125996
- Available- 24*7*365
Why Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Center for You?
Ganesh Diagnostic Centre is an established and renowned diagnostic centre since 2001.
We have many PET CT scan imaging which can offer report Images online as well. We also offer FLAT 50% OFF on many test.
Their excellence is backed by NABH and NABL Accreditations
NABH accreditation is proof of the highest standard of care and service provided to the patients. NABL accreditation reflects the competency of laboratories and equipment based on some national and international standards.
We are known for providing excellent service and care to its patients for decades having created Lakhs of satisfied patients over the years!
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is a one-stop solution for getting all kinds of diagnostic done, as all services are available under one roof.
GDIC aims to provide the world’s advanced technology at the most reasonable and lowest price.
The rates of scans are reasonably priced. Patients can rely upon X-ray image reports as reports are 100% accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PET CT scan of the brain?
Positron emission tomography (PET) is a non-invasive diagnostic approach which can be used to detect chemical or functional changes in the brain. It can be used to detect diseases such as to diagnose cancer or other disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
Why would a doctor order a PET scan?
In general the PET-CT scan can be used to evaluate various organs such as heart, brain or other organs. The evaluation of these organs reveals a lot about their condition such as cancer, it also helps in monitoring the effectiveness of the cancer treatment.
Why is PET scan done?
PET scan can help determine the earliest signs of metabolic function abnormalities as that occur in cancer, heart diseases, brain disorders or other conditions . It uses a radioactive tracer that helps elaborate the structures more clearly.
How long does PET-CT scan take?
Depending on the part which is getting scanned, the time duration of PET-CT scan also varies. It in general lasts between 45-90 minutes. Most of this time is occupied by radiocontrast administration and its waiting period where the contrast is being utilised by the body, which is a crucial step to help visualise the internal organs images more accurately.
What is the cost of PET-CT scan?
On an average PET-CT scan can cost somewhere between 15000-25000 INR. the cost can vary depending on-
- The area of body in concern
- Your residence place
- Your insurance coverage
- One diagnostic centre to another
- Fee of the technologist performing the scan
- Fee of the doctor reading the report
How long is recovery from PET-CT scan?
Once your PET-CT scan is done you can resume your daily activities right away, unless you are instructed otherwise. If you were given anaesthesia or other sedatives before the scan, you might need someone else to drop you home. The anaesthesia can also make you feel a little drowsy which will get resolved by itself in a few hours.
Is a PET-CT scan painful?
Other than the needle price which you will feel during the contrast administration, no pain could happen during the scan. The PET-CT scan is otherwise a painless, and comfortable diagnostic procedure. There can be slight discomfort due to lying on a hard scan table, for which you can ask for a bedsheet.
Can PET-CT scan detect brain Alzheimer's?
A amyloid PET scan can be used to detect Alzheimer’s disease which can show plaques present in the rain which are associated with nerve cell damage that is seen in Alzheimer disease.
