SPECT Cerebral Perfusion Scan

A brain scan called a SPECT cerebral perfusion scan measures the amount of blood absorbed in specific regions of your brain. This can reveal details about the way your brain works. The many forms of brain perfusion scans are as follows.

Some diagnostic procedures involve radiotracers, which are radioactive compounds that release minute particles, such as single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) or positron emission tomography (PET) scans.

Why is SPECT Cerebral Perfusion Scan Done?

If your healthcare professional needs to know how the blood is flowing in your brain, you could need a brain perfusion scan. If you have a problem with dementia, your doctor might advise you to get this scan.

A brain perfusion scan may also be required if you need to have surgery on a vessel in your head or neck and your doctor needs to check the blood flow through your brain before the procedure.