PREPARATION:
- Fasting is not necessary;
- Wear light clothing on exam day;
- This test is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women;
- Anticoagulant medications, such as Marevan, Marcomar, Plavix, Pradaxa, Versa, Clopidogrel, Heparin and ASA should be withheld one week before the exam, only with the authorization of the requesting physician;
- Do not withheld other prescribed medications, such as antihypertensives, diabetes medicines, insulin, thyroid or any others;
- Bring any prior imaging tests (Tomography and/or Cranial Resonance).
- Notify if you have diseases that affect blood clotting.
HOW IS THE EXAM PERFORMED?
After filling out the registration form at the reception desk, the patient will undergo a preliminary evaluation with the neurologist or anesthesiologist.
After this evaluation, the patient will undergo a lumbar puncture. A needle will be introduced into the spinal canal, like an anesthesia procedure. After puncture, a small amount of radioactive material will be injected through this needle. Then, the needle will be removed and the patient will be instructed to remain lying down for at least 30 minutes. If the study is for the evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid fistula, depending on the clinical suspicion, nasal plugs may be placed in the nostrils after the end of the puncture. These buffers should remain until the acquisition of the images for 6 hours.
After the 30-minute period, the patient will be temporarily discharged and instructed to return in 2 to 4 hours.
Upon returning, the patient will be sent to the exam room and images of the head will be acquired.
Duration of this stage: 30 to 40 minutes.
The patient will then be temporarily discharged and must return later for the acquisition of another sequence of images 6 hours after the puncture. Duration of this stage: 30 to 40 minutes. The nasal plugs will be removed during this period and the collection of a blood sample will be necessary for fistula evaluation.
24-hour images may be requested, depending on the analysis of the nuclear medicine physician.
In the interval between image acquisitions, the patient may be allowed (depending on their clinical condition) to eat, while recommended to undergo abundant hydration and rest.
Note: After the procedure, we recommend that the patient remains at rest and hydrates abundantly for the next 48 to 72 hours. If the patient presents, within 24 to 72 hours after the puncture, any symptoms different from the ones they were already presenting, please contact one of our doctors.
OE 030 – Version: 04/2024
Made by: DIMEN Technical Team
