Neuroimaging in nuclear medicine involves using imaging techniques to detect brain disorders.
Brain diseases can present with a wide range of symptoms, making it challenging for doctors to diagnose based solely on these symptoms. Modern imaging techniques are valuable tools in this process and are used in close collaboration with referring neurologists or psychiatrists.
In nuclear medicine, a radioactive substance is injected into the patient’s vein, which then accumulates in the brain depending on the specific question at hand. The distribution of this “radiopharmaceutical” or “tracer” is then captured and converted into images using a Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) camera or a Positron Emission Tomograph (PET). The time between administration of the radioactive substance and imaging can vary based on the substance used. Due to technical requirements, these scans are sometimes performed on "hybrid devices," which combine Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with a nuclear medicine imaging technique (SPECT or PET).
Aside from a temporary and low level of radiation exposure, no significant side effects of the radiopharmaceuticals are known.