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Real members of MyParkinsonsTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

What Is A DAT Scan / Test?

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Meyerton, ZA
May 12
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A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

First day tested me for dis then day tested me for dat!

May 12
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

It isn’t an MRI of the brain; it’s quite different, partly because it done in a nuclear medicine lab using a radioactive isotope which is injected into the vein and you wait a few hours until it crosses the barrier and enters the brain. Then pictures are taken that follow the radioactive trail. It determines whether or not you are losing dopamine levels. If the dopamine is stable then they know to look elsewhere to find a diagnosis. But if dopamine levels are low then it’s very likely Parkinson’s disease. The diagnosis has a small chance of seeming wrong but likely it’s not the test, but rather certain medications can interfere with the visual; mine showed no brain at all. Now some will say it was an accurate test showing no brain…..
Any way if dopamine levels are low you are going to have a positive for Parkinson’s disease.
The MRI can help to keep an eye on changes and that is what makes it valuable in PD.

Teresa2

May 12
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Phil your cupboard is not bare. We put our hugs in all the time. Its bursting full....

May 15
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Are you leaving any scans out Phil10? You are a blessing to keep this team going. Hugs

May 13
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Yes they injected me but I didn't have to wait a couple hours they gave me the iv and put an halo thing on my head and asked what music I like and it took about 30 minutes it's just like an mri machine I've had both but the dat scan proved the pd

May 13

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Before My Diagnosis I Had A MRI From Toes To Brain Does This Help To Give Accurate Diagnosis?

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Is There Some Form Of Imaging That Shows The Progression Of Parkinsonism? This Would Be A Great Benchmark.

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