What is
SPECT & why do we use it?
Brain SPECT
imaging can tell clinicians and patients what cannot be obtained through
history, mental status examinations, physical examinations or
neuropsychological testing.
SPECT scan
brain imaging is used in a clinical environment to observe patterns of
activity. Brain activity can be normal, over active, under active or in
any combination of activity levels in the major regions of the brain.
SPECT scan imaging guides us in re-balancing a brain whose activity
patterns are clearly abnormal. A SPECT scan can guide us in the
application of specific medications or other treatments such a
supplements, neurofeedback, transcranial magnetic stimulation, Eye
Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), and hyperbaric oxygen
therapy. SPECT scan imaging is most useful for establishing a level of
intervention suitable to the level of dysfunction.
A SPECT scan
allows patients to have a specific physical representation of their
problems that is accurate and reliable. A SPECT scan helps develop a
deeper understanding of the problem and leads to decreased shame, guilt,
stigma and self-loathing. They can increase self-forgiveness. Patients
can see that their problems are, in part, a medical problem. A SPECT
scan helps to increase compliance – pictures are powerful. These are
very powerful influences in determining a patient’s willingness and
ability to accept and adhere to a treatment program -- as they realize
that not taking medication for their problems of anxiety, depression,
rage, ADD, etc. is similar to not wearing the “right” prescription for
their eyes. A SPECT scan helps families understand when things will not
get better, such as having permanent brain damage from an injury, this
allows patients and families to accept the condition and provide
accordingly.
Dr. Amen asks “How can we fully evaluate the cause
for mental illness unless we look at brain function -- otherwise we are
left to deduce or guess or assume what may be going on in the brain”.
Visit
www.brainplace.com to read more about SPECT
scan imaging and how we use it therapy. |
