The 5 main reasons to use a DAT Scan

I will explain how a DAT Scan can be helpful in the movement disorder clinic. A negative (normal) DAT Scan is an absolute exclusion criteria for Parkinson’s Disease (rule out PD). A positive (abnormal) DAT scan will not differentiate between multiple neurodegenerative parkinsonian syndromes.

[@peggymog]

Thank you. I'm still a bit confused how can you say someone doesn't have it definitively when it can't support a positive diagnosis, in other word clinical diagnosis? Maybe I'm just not understanding.

[@bernardward7426]

Is it possible to have a normal Dat Scan but still have Parkinson's disease? What if someone has a good response to LDopa?

[@wramsey2656]

I was on Sinemet for over 18 months with positive response, but after normal PD DAT scan and exams new neurologist wanted me to wean off the Sinemet. Back to using a cane now. My neuro symptoms may in fact be caused by spinal fluid flow restriction from the brain down thru spinal cord due to syringomyelia and tarlov cyst. Still being treated. I have some nerve damage which could be contributing. Its complicated and exhausting but i learned it takes 5 years on average to be diagnosed with PD (my dad died from it), i am in year 3.

[@wramsey2656]

Drs ruled out PD related diseases for now they told me, but my DAT scan had two remarks: (1) Semi-quantitative Analysis: Maximum deviation in Striatal Binding Ratio (SBR) is 7% below age-expected mean and involves the left caudate.; (2) Additional CT: Symmetrical minimal bilateral frontal lobe parenchymal volume loss (first time volume loss ever indicated). Not sure what the SBR comment is all about but the imaging looks unusual on left caudate. However, my PD score increased this last exam. Thank you Doc good video ! Dr made me stop memantine (i take for skull and syrinx nerve pain) before the DAT scan.