brain scan

brain scan

Etymology: AS, bragen + L, scandere, to climb

a diagnostic procedure used to image the brain. Common modalities include CT, MRI, and PET. Imaging can be done with a radioisotope used to localize and identify intracranial masses, lesions, tumors, or infarcts. Intravenously injected radioisotopes accumulate in abnormal brain tissue and are traced and photographed by a scintillator or scanner. The nature and rate of accumulation of radioisotopes in pathologic tissue are diagnostic of some lesions. Compare computed tomography. See also isotope, radioisotope.

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Patient discussion about brain scan.

Q. I'm worried if she has ADHD. Is there any MRI or brain scan test to diagnoses the problem? My daughter Elba is 15. She regularly goes to school but often forgets to do daily activities. I'm worried if she has ADHD. Is there any MRI or brain scan test to diagnoses the problem?

A. Although in general practice MRI is not carried out to diagnose ADHD, the studies have shown that the ADHD brain has considerably less activity than does a normal brain when MRI's are compared. Stimulant drugs increases the chemical activity level, which decreases the symptoms. I shall suggest you to consult a physician specialized in this area.