I was wondering if anyone is familiar with the SPECT brain scan? I'd be interested in having one done, but I heard that there are only certain places in which it is done. Also, I don't think insurance covers it, though I think some insurances might reimburse the cost? I've been suffering with severe exhaustion, concentration problems, and low short-term memory since November of 2003. I thought that the SPECT scan might be able to show why I've been having these symptoms. I had an MRI done last July, but it came back negative.

I myself had a spect scan done because I was having some dizziness issues. As far as I know it is a single emission scan an is not a very detailed scan to do diagnoses of anything severe, my doctor said tumors would probably not be picked up. I am now awaiting an MRI, both the MRI and the CT scan are much more detailed the MRI being apparently the best for certain things. If I were you I would probably be abp to go for the CT then since I believe it is less expensive and may give you the info you need. Sandra

dizzyone: I too have had a SPECT scan, after having an MRI (neg) which showed great irregularity in the anterior, temporal, parietal and frontal areas of my brain (basically everything except the very back...so they said I had Alzheimer's...that was 4 years ago and I'm no worse now than I was then, and in fact, after multiple treatments for LYME disease with antibiotics, I'm significantly improved - though I am still not up to "normal"....I just had another MRI (as a checkup) and am still waiting after a week for the results...Just a suggestion, check for Lyme and take charge of following up on your symptoms...keep in touch! and just FYI, SPECT shows activity of the brain and the MRI shows the anatomy.

sorry! meant to address that to Concerned Male! :o