That's an understandably concerning thing to see on a report. A DaTscan works by using a small amount of radioactive tracer injected into the bloodstream. This tracer attaches to dopamine-producing cells in the brain, and a special camera then captures how those cells are functioning.
When areas of the brain appear dark on a Show Full Answer
That's an understandably concerning thing to see on a report. A DaTscan works by using a small amount of radioactive tracer injected into the bloodstream. This tracer attaches to dopamine-producing cells in the brain, and a special camera then captures how those cells are functioning.
When areas of the brain appear dark on a DaTscan, it typically means there is reduced dopamine transporter activity in those areas — in other words, fewer dopamine-producing cells are active than expected. Seeing darkness on both sides can suggest that dopamine function is reduced in both hemispheres of the brain. This kind of result can support a Parkinson's diagnosis, but it's important to know that a DaTscan alone cannot confirm Parkinson's on its own.
A neurologist will look at this result alongside:
- Your symptoms and how long you've had them
- Your response to Parkinson's medications
- Other tests like MRI or blood work
The most important next step is to have a detailed conversation with your neurologist about what this specific result means for your situation. They are best placed to explain what the scan shows in the context of your full picture.
October 25
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