Neurology

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a noninvasive, advanced diagnostic imaging procedure that can provide unique information to aid in the differential diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease versus other dementias as well as assist with the management of stroke, brain tumors and epileptic seizures. Since glucose is the primary source of energy for cells in the brain, the radiopharmaceutical FDG, a glucose derivative, helps to create a normal versus abnormal map of brain function, as imaged in a PET scan. Distinctive patterns of glucose metabolism assist physicians in accurately diagnosing patients and treating them appropriately.