SPECT imaging measures the brain's healthy activity. How is this helpful in diagnosing and treating ADHD? Here, Dr. Amen explains how he uses brain imaging to pinpoint ADHD challenges — and solutions.
by Dr. Daniel G. Amen
What Does Brain Imaging Tell Us?
SPECT imaging captures blood flow and activity in the brain
to study brain function. It’s different from a CAT scan or an MRI, which are
anatomy studies that investigate the brain's structure or how it physically looks. SPECT looks at how the brain works.
Think of a car engine. An MRI will show you what it looks like. A SPECT scan will show how it functions. SPECT basically tells us three things— healthy activity, too little or too much.
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