Direct Benefits For Patients And Families

SPECT scans allow patients to have a specific physical representation of their problems that is accurate and reliable.

SPECT scans help develop a deeper understanding of the problem and leads to decreased shame, guilt, stigma and self-loathing. They can increase self-forgiveness. Patients can see that their problems are, in part, a medical problem.

SPECT scans help to increase compliance. The images can powerfully influence a patient’s willingness and ability to accept and adhere to a treatment program as they realize that not taking medication for their problems of anxiety, depression, rage, or ADD, but rather to optimize brain function, an idea similar to needing glasses for their eyesight.

SPECT scans may help families understand when things will not get better, such as having permanent brain damage from an injury, which allows patients and families to accept the condition and provide accordingly.

SPECT scans help substance abusers decrease denial and increase motivation for treatment by seeing the damage they have done to their own specific brain. SPECT scans can help motivate recovering alcoholics and addicts continue in sobriety as it becomes clear that further use will cause increased brain damage.

SPECT scans physically show patients how treatments have impacted (improved or worsened) brain function.

SPECT scans help motivate verbally and physically abusive spouses to follow medication protocols by seeing they have a physical abnormality that may be contributing to their problems.

SPECT scans are useful for patients who are suffering with a “post chemotherapy toxic brain.” It gives them insight into their cognitive struggles and also helps their doctors see what is physical and what might be emotional or traumatic sequelae of having cancer.

SPECT scans allow patients to understand why specific treatments are indicated, which medications are helpful, and why certain medical interventions are chosen.