Research: Identifying and Differentiating CTE and AD with a PET Scan

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), NorthShore University Health System (NSUHS), and other established institutions revealed that proteins (tau) are deposited in a distinctive pattern in the brains of individuals, particularly athletes, who are suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).  Researchers conducted a study in 14 retired National Football League football players who sustained at least one concussion during their time in the field.

“What is a PET Scan?” and Other Common PET Scan-Related Questions

PET scan, short for positron emission tomography scanning, is a body imaging technology that uses radiation to produce colored three-dimensional images of the body. A PET scan can reveal metabolic changes and physical uptake that may not be seen in other forms of imaging technique, and that’s why it’s widely used to see observe the development of an existing condition or the effectiveness of an ongoing treatment.

MRI: Can it be an Effective Detection Tool for Unstable Labral Tears?

With the evolution of medical diagnostic tools comes the discovery of several conditions that no one thought existed. Among these conditions is a labral tear, which is an injury to the labrum, a very small structure in the shoulder. A labral tear can be extremely painful to a sufferer.

Doctors Check and Accurately Diagnose Conditions Through a PET Scan

A positron emission tomography scan, or PET scan, is an imaging test that lets doctors check the body for diseases and various other conditions. This process uses a special dye with radioactive tracers that is injected into a vein in the patient's arm. Once the tissues and the organs in the body have absorbed the tracer, it is then highlighted under a PET scanner. This will show the doctor how well your organs and tissues are working. A PET scan can measure oxygen use, blood flow, glucose metabolism, and much more. PET scans are also used in detecting a handful of diseases and brain conditions, such as the following:

MRI Shows the Brain of Schizophrenic Patients Trying to Repair Itself

Like several other mental health disorders, schizophrenia has no known cure yet. The condition, brought by various biological and environmental factors, has been difficult to manage, and so far, only its symptoms are addressed. Medications are prescribed, for instance, to help control a patient’s tendency to develop anxiety and help them calm down during stressful episodes.

24 Hours Before Your PET Scan: Three Preparation Tips for Patients

PET scan involves getting images of different parts of the body to look for diseases. Many factors can affect the accuracy of the results, so it is important for patients to be prepared accordingly. Doctors would normally ask you to watch what you eat or drink at least 24 hours before the scan. Here are some basic tips to help you.

Diagnosing Early Signs of CTE May Now Be Possible through an MRI Scan

Defined by medical experts as a progressive neurological disease that may be caused by repeated brain trauma, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, has been afflicting a number of former football players and changing their lives forever. Today, the only way of correctly diagnosing CTE is through a post mortem examination of a patient’s brain.

A recent research published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, however, suggests that an MRI scan may be viable in detecting CTE in its early stages.