CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital – San Marcos announced it has added a new, non-invasive imaging test for patients that can help physicians diagnose Parkinson’s disease and Dementia.
CHRISTUS now offers the Dopamine Transporter Scan (DaTscan). The scan involves a procedure where a drug is injected into the bloodstream and is used to assess dopamine containing neurons, which are involved in controlling movement. CHRISTUS said the radioisotope injection circulates around the body and makes its way to the brain. During the DaTscan, a nuclear medicine camera is used to capture images of the patient’s brain. A radiologist then examines the images to see if the radioisotope injection can be seen in the brain, which will determine whether Parkinson’s disease or Dementia is detected.
“This state-of-the art technology now allows us to offer a new innovative and non-invasive approach in determining a life-changing diagnosis for our patients,” said Shayne Musick, director of radiology for CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital – San Marcos. “We are so glad we are now able to offer this for our patients in the San Marcos community.”
