Brain Spect: What It Is And How This Neuroimaging Method Works
Neurological evaluations are diverse There is a wide range of methods that can be used to determine if our brain is functioning in a preserved manner, or if, on the contrary, there is some abnormality.
The technique called brain spect It is a method which allows you to see images referring to the functioning of specific parts of the brain through substances that are injected into the subject’s body.
In this article we will review the main characteristics of this evaluation technique, we will see in which cases it is applicable and its contribution in the pharmacological field.
The brain spect is a neurological evaluation tool that mainly consists of injecting a substance intravenously, which adheres to specific brain structures depending on their chemical composition, and allows the evaluator to observe how that particular area is functioning.
This is possible thanks to The substance injected into the body has a detection mechanism using radioactive isotopes , which are added to the patient’s body intravenously. Prior to this, a source of gamma radiation must be applied to the subject. Once this substance is in the body of the person being evaluated, it mixes with his or her blood until it reaches the brain, and that is where it adheres to the structure that the specialist needs to evaluate. As we have already mentioned before, the chemical composition of the substance will determine which specific structure of the brain it adheres to.
This method, also known as single-photon emission computed tomography, It is extremely practical to do , taking into account that it does not require any complex preparation. It is only the application of gamma radiation to the patient to later perform the intravenous injection into the body. Then the substance is in charge of taking the tour and showing the areas of interest
The estimated duration of this method is approximately one hour, calculating the entire asepsis process prior to application.
What does it evaluate?
Basically, there are three aspects that this test allows us to evaluate. This is the study of cerebral perfusion, tumor viability and brain receptors.
1. Cerebral perfusion
It is evaluated using radioisotopes, which Depending on the patient’s blood flow level, they will be fixed in the brain tissue This procedure provides significant information on vascular pathologies that are difficult to detect with other tests.
Apart from that, it is also effective to indirectly show how the activity of neurons is. This aspect is of great importance in the field of psychiatry.
2. Tumor viability
It is done using tracers that do not pierce the network of blood vessels, which remains intact. These tracers are actively incorporated into the subject’s body as potassium analogue substances.
The importance of this evaluation lies in determine tumor conditions or natural changes in the body as a result of a surgical intervention
3. Neuro-receptors
Finally, this analysis allows us to evaluate the density and distribution of the different receptors that the Central Nervous System (CNS) has It is achieved thanks to emitting isotopes specially marked for the procedure.
This aspect is the most recent in terms of brain spectrum evaluations. Despite this, it has shown a fairly good degree of effectiveness when required.
In what cases is it applied?
This form of evaluation has been shown to be extremely useful in a wide variety of cases; It is even capable of detecting anomalies at a neurological and psychiatric level that other techniques overlook.
Some of its most frequent uses are in cases where it is necessary to evaluate the extent of cerebrovascular disease (CVD), Parkinson’s disease, dementia in all its forms, and epilepsy. In these assessments, the cerebral spectroscopy is extremely effective. It is also capable of recognize areas of the brain that have a below-normal blood supply which translates into a very effective form of prevention for cerebrovascular disease.
Regarding epilepsy, this evaluation technique can capture the irritative focus during the seizure through the frame, which helps to know exactly which brain area is affected and to proceed with the necessary intervention.
With regard to psychiatric illnesses, it is of great help to establish the differential diagnosis between disorders , and greatly clarifies when it is a particular dementia. He also provides information in the recognition of multiple more complex neuropsychiatric pathologies.
Contributions to pharmacology
In the field of pharmacology, the brain spectroscopy has been very useful, helping to determine which drugs are most efficient at the time of their interaction with the nervous system. especially neurotransmitter inhibitor drugs
Taking into account that this technique allows us to clearly see how the drug travels through the body, the level of blockage towards a certain substance and how long its effect can last before a new dose is necessary.
