DaT Imaging

Diagnosing Parkinson’s disease can be complex, especially because many other conditions and medications can mimic its symptoms.

“There’s a whole host of medications that can cause physical and motor symptoms similar to Parkinson’s and be confused with it,” said Diagnostic Radiologist. Dr. Victor Lee.

To improve diagnostic accuracy, Lee Health has invested in a non-invasive nuclear medicine test called DaT Imaging (Dopamine Transporter Imaging). This advanced scan helps physicians determine whether a patient’s symptoms are truly due to Parkinson’s disease.

“The goal is to improve quality of life, give patients peace of mind, and help neurologists choose the right treatment path,” Dr. Lee explained.

Parkinson’s disease affects the brain’s ability to absorb dopamine in specific regions. DaT Imaging allows radiologists to visualize this uptake or lack thereof and make a more definitive diagnosis.

“You come in, get a small dose of medication, get imaged, and then go home,” said Dr. Lee.

Using the scan, doctors can clearly see differences in dopamine activity between a healthy brain and one affected by Parkinson’s.

“This part of the brain is not functioning the way it should,” Dr. Lee said, pointing to reduced dopamine uptake on the scan.

While there is no cure for Parkinson’s, Lee Health offers a comprehensive Parkinson’s Disease Program that includes patient navigation, education, and ongoing support.

Want to learn more? Visit leehealth.org and search “Parkinson’s.”


View More Health Matters video segments at    / leehealth  

Lee Health in Fort Myers, FL is the largest network of health care facilities in Southwest Florida and is highly respected for its expertise, innovation and quality of care. For more than 100 years, we’ve been providing our community with personalized preventative health services and primary care to highly specialized care services and robotic assisted surgeries.

Visit LeeHealth.org