Description
DOPA (FDOPA) PET Scan is an advanced nuclear medicine imaging technique used to evaluate how dopamine is produced and utilized in the brain. It uses a radioactive tracer called Fluorodopa (FDOPA), which follows the same biological pathway as natural dopamine inside nerve cells.
This scan allows doctors to assess the health and activity of dopamine-producing neurons, making it especially useful in diagnosing and managing conditions that affect movement and coordination.
What Makes a DOPA PET Scan Unique?
Unlike CT or MRI, which show only the physical structure of the brain, a DOPA PET scan reveals how the brain is functioning at a chemical level. It highlights changes in dopamine metabolism that may appear long before visible structural damage occurs.
When Is a DOPA PET Scan Recommended?
This scan is commonly advised for patients who have:
- Tremors, stiffness, or slowness of movement
- Suspected Parkinson’s disease
- Unexplained movement disorders
- Symptoms that cannot be explained by standard MRI or CT scans
- A need to evaluate disease progression or treatment response
How Does the Scan Work?
A small amount of FDOPA radiotracer is injected into a vein. This tracer is absorbed by dopamine-producing cells in the brain. A PET scanner then detects the radioactive signal and creates detailed images showing dopamine activity in different brain regions.
The procedure is painless and typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.
Why Doctors Use DOPA PET Imaging
- To detect early loss of dopamine-producing cells
- To differentiate Parkinson’s disease from other movement disorders
- To assess the severity of dopaminergic dysfunction
- To guide personalized treatment planning
Book a DOPA PET Scan
If you are experiencing movement-related symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, or balance problems, a DOPA (FDOPA) PET Scan offers a highly accurate way to understand dopamine activity in the brain and support correct diagnosis and care.
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