Úvod - Diagnostika a léčba - Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation - PET

PET

Positron Emission Tomography

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a functional neuroimaging technique used as part of the pre-surgical assessment for pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Unlike structural imaging (such as MRI), PET provides information about how the brain is functioning by detecting areas of altered metabolic activity.

This method falls under the field of nuclear medicine. During the examination, the patient is given a radiopharmaceutical, which accumulates more intensely in areas affected by seizures. These areas are then visualized using specialized scanning equipment, helping to localize the seizure focus.

What Happens During the Exam?

Fasting is required: Do not eat for at least 6 hours before the exam. You may only drink plain, unsweetened water.

Avoid physical exertion: For two days prior to the scan, refrain from exercise or strenuous physical activity, as this can interfere with the accuracy of the results.

Before the scan begins, you will receive an intravenous injection of a contrast agent called FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose) through a small IV cannula. After administration, you will need to rest quietly for about one hour to allow the substance to circulate throughout your body and accumulate in targeted brain regions.

During the scan, you will lie on a motorized table, which moves slowly into the PET scanner—a machine shaped like a large doughnut. The examination is painless, but it’s important that you lie completely still, as any movement may affect the quality of the images.

After the scan, you’ll be encouraged to drink plenty of fluids to help flush the radioactive material from your body via urine.

On the day of your PET scan, it is recommended to avoid close contact with children and pregnant women due to the use of radioactive tracers.

How Long Does It Take?

The full process, from injection to the end of the scan, takes approximately 2 hours. The actual imaging portion of the test lasts about 30 minutes.

Where Can You Have a PET?

Your doctor will refer you for the PET scan to the PET Center at the Masaryk Cancer Institute (Masarykův onkologickoý ústav): Žlutý kopec 7, 656 53 Brno

EEG

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Advanced Imaging Techniques

Genetic Testing

PET

What Happens During the Exam?

How Long Does It Take?

Where Can You Have a PET?

Need to schedule a follow-up appointment or running out of medication?

Need to schedule a follow-up appointment or running out of medication?