I just got off the phone with the hospital to schedule my SPECT scan.  They said it is a 2 day 6 hour scan.  Can anyone who has had the test tell me if that is 3 hrs each day or 6 hrs each day.  I would call the hospital back and ask but they were not very nice to me :(

Hi tuknits, [smiley=wave.gif]

I just wanted to welcome you to our MM family. I'm sorry to say I can't answer your question, I’ve never had the SPECT scan done to say for sure. I was hoping someone who did would tell you after I read your post yesterday. Since there was no reply yet, I thought I’d show you what info DJ has about his SPECT incase you haven’t seen it yet. I hope you don't mind.

http://www.moyamoya.com/pictures.html

It might comfort you a bit knowing more about it. It doesn’t say how long the tests take, but it also doesn’t sound like it would be 6 hours each day, but then again, I don’t know for sure.

That’s a shame they weren’t nice to you. In the medical field you would think that they’d know that people have so much on their mind dealing with their medical problems and all you need is a few answers to feel a little better and yet people are rude or rough and they don’t give you the time you need to answer any questions you might have. You really appreciate the few good people that do take the time on the phone to answer your questions.

Good luck! Keep us posted.

Mar

Hi tuknits

Welcome to MM Family!

Last May I had two SPECT scans.The first one was with diamox.
The second one was the next day without diamox.
I think they do it over two days to let your body clear the diamox.

In my case it took about 1.5 hours each day,IF I  did not move my head,or they have to over the picts that wear blurred.

IMO.

Their a lot of people here to help

Welcome to the site

Kevin

Thanks, Mar & Kevin!  6 hrs seemed like an awfully long time!  I've had so many test already that I wasn't really worried about this one - just trying to figure out logistics of having someone to watch my children.  I have a consult w/NS on the 28th along w/1st day of SPECT scan, cerebral angio on the 29th, and the second day of SPECT on the 30th.  Feel like I'll be living at the hospital!  
Everyone here has been so helpful and there is a wealth of info (which I don't have to tell you is sorely lacking elsewhere).  It gives me peace of mind to read everyone else's stories and know that there is hope.
Hoping for a dx soon.  I'll keep you posted.

Hello Tuknits,

I literally just got done with my first brain spec scan.  It really is not that bad.  They want  you to relax and they put you in a room and want you to fall asleep or just relax.  Then they put an iv in your arm and let you sit again to relax and then come back in and put in diamox and let you sit again.  Finally they come get you and go do the scan on your head.  Make sure you DONT move.  It took me about 2 hours.  I will be going back again tomorrow to have the second part done.

Where are you haveing this done?  I am here at Stanford and have my first surgery on the 21st.  Have tests all week and then again on monday.

Good luck

Jeana

hi there tuknits.....just piping in w/my spect scan experience.

I had my spect scan with Diamox contrast and it was all done on the same day It took about 3 to 3.5hrs to complete. I hope that will be the same for you......6hrs seems like an incredibly long time.

The first they have to put in an IV, then they want you to stay in a completely dark room for about 20 minutes or so...so that your brain will become inactive. Then they come in and run the first scan....that takes about an hour or more. Now, they put you back in the dark room for another 20 minutes.......sneak in and inject the contrast. Do another scan....1hr plus/minus and I believe that was all of it. (although, I might be missing an event.....as my memory sometimes fails me....ya know....a little brain surgery in da mix!)
It wasn't that bad......but it seemed a long day....don't mix it with other appointments if possible....as you might be worn out.
(I believe, the diamox expands your blood vessels to allow maximum oxygen intake)
smiles...Diane

Thanks so much for the info, Jeana and Diane.  
Jeana, I'll be thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers as you are having your surgery.
I am not able to go to Stanford.  Logistically, it's just too difficult.  I am having all my testing done at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago, although if it turns to be MM for sure (my gut says it is), I am not sure if I will have surgery there or at University of Chicago.  LisaH had her surgery there and has great praise for her surgeon (he was recommended by Dr. Steinberg).
I'll let you all know how it goes. - Tracey

hey just out of curiosity, has anyone had any negative side effects from the DIAMOX? last time i had a spect scan w/ diamox i felt sick for 2 weeks afterwards, so this time i said NO.. hehe... i've had it twice and it wiped me out both times.

but yeah, the purpose of the diamox is that it dilates blood vessels, but only healthy ones, vessels with MM constriction wont dilate so they can see how many affected vessels there are. and see how much blood flow is getting around the brain.

but yeah mine probably took 1.5-2hrs, from the time they give you the injection to getting the all-clear to go home.