SPECT scan information sheet

Contact

EEG and Neurological Services, The Children's Hospital at Westmead

Phone: (02) 7825 2647

Location: EEG Department, Level 3, Banksia Building, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead

Introduction

A Single Photon Electron Computer Tomography (SPECT) scan is a nuclear medicine test that shows doctors what the blood flow looks like in certain parts of your child’s brain.

How the SPECT scan works

When your child has a seizure, the blood flow increases to the part of the brain where the seizure begins. The SPECT scan takes pictures of this increased blood flow to find out where in the brain your child’s seizures begin.

A small amount of radioisotope is injected into your child's vein during a seizure. After the seizure has stopped, your child will have their scan.

The test can only be performed during a seizure, so sometimes we need to bring on a seizure. We can do this by reducing your child's medication or doing the test when they are very tired. 

This is only done in the safety of the hospital under careful management.

The SPECT scan process

SPECT scans usually takes place in conjunction with video EEG monitoring.

Preparation

Your doctor will discuss the test preparation for your child.

  • If your child is taking regular anti-epileptic medication, the doctor may reduce or stop the medication to try and bring on a seizure. 
  • If your child has seizures during their sleep or when they are tired, the doctor may request your child stay up late and be woken early to bring on a seizure. 

Admission

We will explain the SPECT scan process and what you need to do.

  • We will ask you to press a button on the equipment, called the 'event button' every time you see a seizure. This allows us to record each seizure. 
  • Bolsters will be placed over the side rails on your child’s bed to help prevent any injury occurring during a seizure.
  • A seizure management plan will also be completed on admission.
  • If you are concerned about your child’s seizures, please speak to your nurse or doctor.

Drip insertion

A doctor or nurse will numb the skin with a local anaesthetic patch where the cannula is to be inserted. It takes about half an hour for the patch to work. 

A doctor will insert the cannula, or drip. This is usually placed in a vein in the arm.

The cannula is held in place with tape and a padded board to help keep it in place during the scan. It is used to inject the radioisotope into the vein so it can be traced during the scan.

Waiting for a seizure

A nurse will be with you and your child during the day time (from 9 am to approximately 1 pm) and wait for them to have a seizure. 

Please tell the nurse when you see a seizure occur, and if it is your child’s usual seizure type. 

Using the event button

When you see a seizure begin, press the event button. This allows the radioisotope to be injected through the cannula (drip).

It is important to press the event button for every seizure you witness.

The scan

After the injection of the radioisotope is complete and the seizure has stopped, the nurse will arrange for your child to have the SPECT scan in the Nuclear Medicine Department.

The scan will last approximately 30-40 minutes.

Some children need to be lightly sedated to help them stay still for the scan. If your child requires sedation, your child won't be able to eat or drink for 2 hours before the scan. 

You can stay with your child during the scan unless you are pregnant.

Return to unit

After your child has had their scan in the Nuclear Medicine Department, you and your child will return to the unit.

If your child has been sedated, they must be fully awake before they can eat and drink. The nurses will monitor your child carefully and let you know when they can eat and drink.

We will start your child's regular anti-epileptic medication.

Scan results

Your doctor will review the images and discuss the results with you at your follow-up appointment.

SPECT scan safety

The amount of radiation from the radioisotope injection is very small. It is lower than the amount of radiation used in many common imaging tests, such as X-rays and CT scans.

The radiation dose is carefully calculated for your child and leaves the body within 24 hours. There are no known side effects from the radioisotope used in this scan.

To keep your child, you, and others in the room safe, we follow strict safety procedures when preparing and administering the radioisotope. The radioisotope is given only once during a 48-hour period.

If you are pregnant, we recommend that you do not breastfeed and avoid prolonged close contact with your child for 24 hours after the injection. As a precaution, teenage girls who are pregnant or may be pregnant should not undergo a SPECT scan.

If you have any questions or would like more information about the radioisotope, please speak with a member of staff