Patient education

The Significance of PET/CT in Neurology: Why It Matters Now

PET/CT imaging can support neurological diagnosis when structural imaging is not enough, including Alzheimer’s biomarkers, brain tumor evaluation, and treatment planning.

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1) Memory Loss & Dementia Syndromes

Two big advances make PET/CT especially relevant today for patients dealing with memory concerns:

Amyloid and Tau PET: Amyloid PET detects plaque pathology, while tau PET visualizes neurofibrillary tangles. Together, they form the modern biological framework for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The Society of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) and the Alzheimer’s Association have updated their criteria to explain when these scans are most helpful, specifically for unexplained mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
FDG PET Metabolism: This scan uses glucose to reveal brain patterns that help distinguish Alzheimer’s from other conditions like Frontotemporal Dementia or Lewy Body Dementia.

Why it matters now: New disease-modifying therapies for early Alzheimer’s (such as Leqembi or Kisunla) require confirmed amyloid pathology. PET/CT is one of the clearest paths to that confirmation, allowing our team to create a precise treatment plan.

2) Parkinsonism & Movement Disorders

For patients with tremors or stiffness, F-18 FDOPA PET measures dopamine terminals in the brain. In suspected parkinsonian syndromes, this scan can visualize reduced dopamine uptake, supporting a diagnosis of neurodegenerative parkinsonism when clinical symptoms are unclear.

3) Epilepsy (Especially When MRI Looks “Normal”)

For patients with seizures that are hard to control, FDG PET can localize the specific area of the brain causing the issue (the epileptogenic focus). This is crucial for surgical planning, particularly when a standard MRI comes back negative.

4) Neuro-Oncology

While MRI remains the first line of defense for brain tumors, PET/CT helps us distinguish between tumor recurrence vs. treatment effects (like radiation necrosis). This clarity is vital for patients undergoing cancer treatment.

Coverage Is Evolving, In a Good Way

In late 2023, Medicare retired the national limit for beta-amyloid PET coverage. Practically, this means more eligible patients across Central Florida can now receive amyloid PET scans as part of real-world care, not just in clinical trials. At Charis Neurology, we verify benefits for every patient to ensure you understand your coverage.

Safety & Preparation

PET/CT uses a small amount of radioactivity, similar to other diagnostic imaging, and the CT portion is typically low-dose. Most patients go home right after the procedure.

For FDOPA (Parkinson’s): We may use carbidopa pre-medication to optimize image quality.
For FDG (Memory/Epilepsy): Quiet rest and controlled blood sugar levels help improve accuracy.

We provide clear, written instructions before your appointment to ensure you are comfortable and prepared.

What This Means for Patients at Charis Neurology

Faster, clearer answers when symptoms are subtle or diagnoses overlap.
Biology-based decisions about new Alzheimer’s therapies and Parkinsonian management.
Team-based reading: Dr. Makar and our team integrate PET/CT findings with your MRI, bloodwork, and personal history, because imaging is most powerful when interpreted in context.

When Do We Recommend PET/CT?

We consider PET/CT when results are likely to change the treatment plan, for example:

Mild cognitive impairment where confirming or excluding Alzheimer’s pathology guides medication choices.
Early parkinsonism with diagnostic uncertainty.
Refractory focal epilepsy being evaluated for surgery.

The Bottom Line

PET/CT has become a practical, patient-centered tool in modern neurology. It helps diagnose earlier, tailor treatments, and make more confident decisions with you.

If you or a loved one in Lake Mary, Sanford, or Orlando are navigating memory concerns, parkinsonian symptoms, or complex seizures, talk with our team today. Together, we will decide if PET/CT is the right next step.

Stop waiting. Start healing.

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