Positron Emission Tomography (PET scan)
Positron emission tomography (PET) scan is a nuclear medicine diagnostic test that shows the brain's use of oxygen or glucose (sugar). A very low, safe dose of a radioactive substance is injected into a vein in the arm, and the scanner records its circulation. The image shows areas of the brain that are more active than others. This test can help identify the area(s) of the brain where partial seizures begin or it can estimate plaque buildup in the brain.
A PET scan may be used to diagnose or rule out certain neurological conditions, including:
- Aphasia
- Concussions
- Cranial base tumors
- Dementia
- Epilepsy
- Facial nerve disorders
- Headaches
- Huntington disease
- Migraines
- Moyamoya disease
- Tic disorders
Locations Offering this Test
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Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital
25 N. Winfield RoadWinfield, IL 60190place -
Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital
300 Randall RoadGeneva, IL 60134place -
Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital
1000 N. Westmoreland RoadLake Forest, IL 60045place