Posted by Elizabeth on July 27, 2001, at 0:04:00
In reply to link- SPECT brain imaging for Depression, posted by adamie on July 23, 2001, at 16:43:16
My understanding is that there isn't much information on how these types of brain scans ("functional imaging") can be used to identify specific problems. For example, I had a SPECT scan this spring (after an episode of acute respiratory distress syndrome of unknown etiology), and the results were markedly "abnormal" (in various ways), but nobody seems to have any idea what the abnormalities mean clinically. At the time, I was an inpatient and was taking a couple of psychoactive medications (Klonopin and Zyprexa) which could have affected the scan.
Keep in mind that a SPECT image is going to change any time your mood or state of consciousness changes, or if you start directing your attention to a particular type of thought.
-elizabeth
poster:Elizabeth
thread:71527
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010725/msgs/71997.html