Your doctor has prescribed a DaTscan imaging test for you or someone for whom you care. This test will give your doctor information to help him or her understand the symptoms you or your loved one is experiencing.
DaTscan is an imaging drug that will be injected into the bloodstream to help your doctor assess a chemical involved in controlling movement, called dopamine. A special device, called a gamma camera, will take pictures of your brain. These pictures and a report will be sent to your doctor, who can discuss the test results with you. The DaTscan results may help determine if the symptoms you are experiencing are the result of a Parkinsonian syndrome.
Parkinsonian syndromes occur when the brain is not getting enough of the dopamine it needs to perform certain functions. This affects the ability of the brain to control movement and other muscle functions.
There are different types of Parkinsonian syndromes. The most common is Parkinson’s disease, also known as PD. Other types include multiple system atrophy and progressive supranuclear palsy. DaTscan cannot distinguish between these different syndromes. In combination with other tests and the clinical assessment of your particular symptoms, DaTscan may help your doctor determine if you are suffering from a Parkinsonian syndrome.
The DaTscan test will be performed in the nuclear medicine department of a hospital or in an outpatient clinic.
DaTscan is for adult patients who have signs or symptoms of Parkinsonian syndromes, such as shaking or stiffness. DaTscan is available only with a prescription from your doctor, and only your doctor can decide if this test is right for you.
This test is NOT for:
- Patients with a known allergy or sensitivity to iodine
- Patients with a known sensitivity to DaTscan
Children
- This test may not be right for:
- Patients who are pregnant
- Patients who are nursing
- Patients with reduced kidney or liver function
Sensitivity reactions (such as rash or itching) have been reported after DaTscan administration. In clinical trials, the most common side effects were headache, nausea, dry mouth, or dizziness.