The SPECT Scan is Now Available Enabling Quicker Diagnosis of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Brain Injuries

In a landmark decision in May of this year, the Canadian Association of Nuclear Medicine adopted procedural guidelines enabling the use of brain single photon emission computed tomography, or SPECT imaging, in neurobiology and psychiatry. The CANM has endorsed this imaging for the assessment of

• Neuropsychiatric disorders, such as PTSD, ADHD, depression, and other disorders
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Dementia
• Strokes
• Addition

SPECT imaging measures blood flow and brain activity which can indicate where in the brain there is too much, too little, or healthy brain activity. It is very different from the common imaging that has been traditionally used for diagnosis, such as MRI and CT scans, which are more anatomical in nature. 

Used But Not Fully Accepted

While SPECT imaging has been widely recognized and used to evidence disorders and injuries, CANM had not previously published guidelines for its usage. These guidelines now tell the medical community how and when to use these scans. While they have been used as far back as the 1980s and have been used to diagnose traumatic brain injuries since 2014, the decision means that SPECT will now be accepted in many diagnoses and prognoses. 

This means that, for individuals who suffer from neuropsychiatric disorders, brain injuries, and other brain issues

• A diagnosis can be made sooner, offering quicker treatment
• There will be less issues with having symptoms dismissed as imagined
• There may be less stigma surrounding “mental health” issues
• There will be earlier and better access to accident and disability benefits 

More Acceptance, Better Treatment, Easier Access to Benefits

Unfortunately, over the years, individuals who suffered from brain injuries and what were commonly called “mental health” issues faced incredible ignorance and stigma. It was frequently a struggle to get compensation for them in the way of accident or disability benefits. 

With SPECT imaging being accepted to show positive findings of injury or other neuropsychiatric disorders, it will bring more acceptance and better treatment as a result and enable those who need it to be properly compensated for treatment or injury damages. 

If you have suffered a brain injury or are disabled due to a neuropsychiatric disorder, the Cambridge, ON injury lawyers at Hilborn and Konduros may be able to help. Call us at (519) 658-6341 or contact us online to learn more about how SPECT imaging may help you get needed compensation after an injury or disability.