NUCLEAR MEDICINE DATSCAN WHAT IS A NUCLEAR MEDICINE DATSCAN? The DaTscan is a safe nuclear medicine study used to evaluate the brain for tremors and/or Parkinson’s Disease. It utilizes the injection of a material called Ioflupane I123 into the bloodstream, where it travels to the brain and highlights the neurons responsible for controlling movement. From there an RAO imaging expert will take pictures of the affected area using a gamma camera, a device designed to capture detailed pictures of the brain and its neurons for assessment. This revolutionary procedure is FDA approved to help your referring physician and RAO radiologist determine if you suffer from a Parkinsonian syndrome or from a relatively benign nervous system disorder known as essential tremor. Fortunately, results are available in only weeks instead of months or years, as with previous tests. If your doctor has referred you for this test, it is because you have symptoms that suggest the possibility of a Parkinsonian syndrome. The sooner the cause has been identified, the sooner your doctor can proceed with treatment. WHAT TO EXPECT The DaTscan agent used to highlight the brain areas to be imaged takes roughly three to six hours to become most effective. Once it has been allowed to reach the appropriate concentration, the painless, non-invasive procedure typically takes only 30-45 minutes to complete. QUICK LINKS: RAO’s Medical Imaging Center at Windsor Oaks is a Nuclear Medicine Accredited Facility Treating Tremors Begins With Discovering the Cause Movement disorders, including essential tremor, ataxia, Parkinson’s disease and others can often be successfully treated, but each requires specific protocols in order to ease symptoms and help improve function. Because not all motion disorders respond to the same medication, knowing the specific cause is necessary to stage the appropriate therapy. Read More → Nuclear Medicine and Advances in Diagnosing Motion Disorders Nuclear medicine describes an array of painless, noninvasive imaging tests designed to discover, analyze and in some cases treat an array of diseases, including certain types of cancers, arthritis and bone abnormalities, gastrointestinal/stomach disorders, thyroid disease, tumors, infection, neurological problems and much more. Read More → PACS Radiology Associates of Ocala P.O. Box 6200 • Ocala, FL 34478-6200 Scheduling: 352-671-4300 - Fax: (352) 732-8010 For scheduling inquiries please email webappointments@raocala.com. For general inquiries please email info@raocala.com. © 2008 - 2020 Radiology Associates of Ocala | All Rights Reserved Accessibility | COVID Safety