Brain scans

A brain scan helps doctors examine the inside of the brain. Two common types are single photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT) or positron emission tomography (PET).

These tests use a special camera and a radioactive substance called a tracer in a liquid form. The tracer gives off particles that can be detected and used to create 3D pictures.

A SPECT or PET scan checks for brain conditions such as:
 

• Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia
• Parkinson's disease
• Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
• Stroke
• Epilepsy
• Brain tumours

Before you have a brain scan, tell your doctor if you:

• Have diabetes. You might need to adjust your medicine dose.
• Have had nuclear scans in the past.
• Have allergies, especially to iodine.
• Take any medicines, supplements or herbal remedies. You may need to stop some medicines or change your dose before this test.
• Are or might be pregnant.
• Are breastfeeding. You may need to pump and store enough breast milk for one to two days before the test. The radioactive tracer used in this test can get into your breast milk and is not safe for your baby. 
• Have a fear of enclosed spaces.

Your doctor will tell you if you should avoid smoking, caffeine or alcohol for 24 hours before the test. Ask your doctor any questions you may have about:

• Why you need this test
• Risks
• How the test will be done
• What the results might mean

Arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time. Please check in with the receptionist when you arrive.

Please do not wear perfume, cologne, or aftershave to your appointment. Some people are allergic to fragrance ingredients and can suffer severe reactions.

Please bring:

• Any prescription medicine you are taking in the original containers
• Photo identification
• BC Services Card (personal health number)
• A book or another way to pass the time during your appointment.

A radiologist or nuclear medicine specialist and a technologist performs the scans. You will lie on a table connected to a large scanner, cameras and a computer.

The radioactive tracer is usually injected into a vein in your arm. You might need to wait up to an hour for the tracer to spread through your body. You should avoid moving and talking during this time.

Depending on the type of scan, either a SPECT or PET scanner will rotate around you. These machines will come close to you but should not touch you. The scanned pictures are sent to a computer for your doctor to see. Many scans are done to create a series of pictures.

It is important to lie still while each scan is being done. A CT scan may also be done at the same time.

You may need to read, name letters or tell a story. This helps test your speech, reasoning or memory. You might also be given earplugs or a blindfold for comfort. You will be alone in the scanner room during the test. The technologist will watch you through a window. You can talk to them through a two-way intercom at all times. The test takes one to three hours. You might need to return for follow-up scans.

After the test, drink lots of fluids for the next 24 hours. This will help remove the tracer from your body.

Most of the tracer will leave your body through your urine or stool within a day. Be sure to flush the toilet right after you use it and wash your hands well with soap and water. The amount of radiation in the tracer is very small. This means it is not a risk for people to be around you after the test.

If you are breastfeeding, the radioactive tracer used in this test can get into breast milk. Do not breastfeed your baby for one to two days after this test. During this time, use the breast milk you stored before the test or give formula instead. Throw away any breast milk you pump during the one to two days after the test.

The radiologist might talk about the results of the scan with you right after the test. The full results are usually available within two days.

The Indigenous Wellness Liaison Team is here to support your health journey. Team members offer cultural support and healthcare advocacy. Learn more below or call them at 604-682-2344,62937 or email IWL@providencehealth.bc.ca.

Nuclear Medicine Department

2nd Floor, Providence Wing, St. Paul’s Hospital

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