DAT scan for Parkinsons disease usefulness and cost

@ichbindck
I am told DAT Scan is not definitive. It is ONLY definitive if there is a great discrepancy from one cell to the other or a great degeneration in uptake of dopamine or a great degeneration of cell shape. If that degeneration is obvious then the diagnosis is easy.
The only time there is an issue if the test is borderline, like mine was apparently. By borderline I mean that cell still has its shape. Mine the cell shape is good but there was a clear dopamine deficiency in one of the cells and yet they still said this is a normal scan. the reviewer only looked at and commented on the shape of my cells. I had my doubts and unfortunately those doubts were confirmed by the movement disorder specialist.
the best diagnosis seems to be an in-office evaluation where the doctor runs specific movement tests for Parkinson's. they look at this eval coupled with any symptoms you are displaying. I also had a skin biopsy performed but will not have results back for a month. But based on my eval AND her review of DAT scan I have Parkinson's.
Bottom line is talk to movement disorder doctor. My original neurologist was NOT helpful and not well versed in Parkinson's.

@steve1956 Ditto. Have also seen 5 neurologists with no diagnosis. Told last one I thought he was not helpful and got banned from his practice.

@lisalucier Is the DAT scan definitive? I am reading book "Parkinson's Disease" by Dr, William J. Weiner that describes number of scans. I recently had a PET scan for my Ornithologist then 3 months later a different doctor diagnosed me with Parkinson's never seeing the PET scan. Will the PET scan show a difference in the Substantia Nigra? I am fairly advanced with disease about 3 years.

@cyndirae
I don't know what that drug is. my experience with DAT scan is you need to be seen by a movement disorder specialist. my dat scan was misread by the firm doing the scan and my neurologist had no idea how to read the scan or answer my questions. I went to a movement disorder specialist she read the scan and conducted an in-office Parkinson evaluation. she pointed out why the DAT scan was abnormal and why is corresponds to my failed evaluation test she conducted in office. she diagnosed me with Parkinson's. i would make sure you're seeing a movement disorder specialist they specialize in Parkinson's.

Hi, I recently was told by my neurologist he believes I have the onset of Parkinson’s. They are doing a DAT Scan in the morning. As my husband was researching the details on the test he read that desvenlafaxine which I take will not give me an accurate reading, I have not been told to stop taking the medication prior to my appointment. My neurologist has my medication list. Am I missing something?

@ladylawyer
I had my first appt with a movement disorder Doctor yesterday---very encouraging. she stated she will review my DAT scan as she has tons of experience reviewing and evaluating these scans. again, this is encouraging b/c so far no one has been able to answer my questions. i am also scheduled for a skin biopsy next month for further PD testing. hopefully you have been able to contact a movement disorder specialist

@ladylawyer
Thanks. And prayers and blessings to as well

Thank you so much! Will do and please keep me posted on your status. I would love to follow your outcome! Prayers and blessings!

@ladylawyer
Yes, I have been told to def. go to a movement disorder specialist--so def. do that. your description sounds just like me--sporadic with good days and bad days. I also recommend looking into the Beech band. Google it and do your research. I want to be careful with recommendations b/c I'm very new to this world. But my wife and I looked into this, and thought couldn't hurt to give it a try. And so far, i really like the Beech band. Best of Luck

@emmit I share your frustration. My neurologist said, “you don’t have Parkinson’s based on the Datscat so come back in 3 months.” She has prescribed Nortriptyline, which seems to help. Although it is usually prescribed as an anti-depressant, there is some evidence that it slows/prevents protein build up in the brain. There are some studies on this issue conducted by Michael J Fox foundation. My symptoms also point to PD and are very sporadic. I have good days and bad days. I will follow your lead and find a movement disorder specialist. I assume neurologists have specializations and I think both of us need one that specializes in Parkinson’s and/or movement disorders.