SPECT Scan Assessments
As the world leader in physical and psychological assessment, our philosophy at Spero Treatment Center is based upon the belief that evidence is the gateway to awareness. If you can’t identify the problem, then it’s impossible to treat it. The only way to correctly identify the source issue is through gathering as much biological evidence as possible through a number of physiological and hormonal tests. Perhaps one of the most efficient ways of identifying the true cause of symptoms that include depression, stress and addiction is by making use of a Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography, or SPECT, scan.
A SPECT Scan is a diagnostic tool used to monitor blood flow to various points around the brain and body. Evaluating and studying this flow of blood can help a medical professional determine which vital parts of the brain are functioning better than others.
In order to complete a SPECT Scan an individual must have a substance known as radionuclide injected into their bloodstream. A camera is then used to monitor the travels of this substance through various parts of the body. The photons contained inside the radionuclide will be visible to the camera and provide data about the performance of key areas, both brain and body-related.
SPECT Scans can be used to ascertain which areas are causing problems in the brain's functioning. They are particularly effective in terms of addiction treatment because they isolate those areas which are functioning at a lower level that normal and therefore might be the source of the behaviors that are causing the drug addiction.
A SPECT scan is created with a gamma camera that is used to acquire images of your brain from multiple angles. These images are then fed into a computer, which applies a tomographic reconstruction algorithm to them and creates a three-dimensional picture. This three-dimensional picture can be divided into cross-sectional slices so that our Spero team can better determine what is or isn't
The SPECT scan procedure is a relatively non-invasive one that requires the individual to have the radionuclide substance injected into their system. Then, the patient will be asked to wait 30 minutes for the substance to move throughout the body. Finally, the patient will lie motionless on the treatment table as the camera takes images of different parts of the body.
All in all, the process is an easy one. The only mild discomfort associated with the SPECT scan procedure may come from the insertion of the intravenous needle used at the beginning of the process.
Concerns about exposure to radiation
Individuals who take part in a SPECT scan are exposed to relatively low levels of radiation during the procedure. The health risks are minimal, and the exposure levels are similar to those found in a standard CAT scan examination. SPECT scans are even considered safe for children and young adults who can benefit greatly from the data obtained during the procedure.
Spero Retreat maintains a staff of SPECT scan experts who will guide you through every step of the procedure. These individuals have a significant amount of experience in the area of SPECT scans and know how to administer the test as well as collect data and make accurate, helpful conclusions regarding that vital information.
As with everyone you meet at Spero Retreat, the SPECT Scan professionals are well-versed in addiction treatment and always there to help answer any questions you may have.
When the Spero clinical team of experts examines your SPECT scan, they are looking for areas of your brain that are not functioning at full capacity. Years of research have proven that these areas often control addiction and other mental or physical issues that occur within the human body.
Once these areas have been identified, the clinical team can then recommend and implement a highly customized course of action. Only those areas of the brain that the SPECT scan highlights as "trouble spots" will be addressed - leading to faster, more effective forms of treating addiction.
At Spero Retreat, we use the detailed analysis generated by the SPECT scan to develop a customized plan of action for your addiction treatment.
Because the SPECT scan tells us so much about the "problem areas" within the brain, we are able to locate, with pinpoint accuracy, those things which are leading to the compulsive behavior, and treat them accordingly.
The SPECT Scan is an amazing tool that truly eliminates the guesswork from the addiction treatment process.
