PET Scans can be Helpful in the Diagnosis of RSD

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PET Scans can be Helpful in the Diagnosis of RSD

PET Scans can be Helpful in the Diagnosis of RSD

When someone is involved in a traumatic accident, there are a lot of different injuries that they are at risk of sustaining. For example, according to statistics that have been published by the American Academy of Orthopedics:

  • The most common type of risk fracture in people under age 75 is a wrist fracture
  • Of all of the musculoskeletal injuries sustained in the United States annually, bone fractures comprise 16 percent
  • Over 6 million bone fractures occur in the United States every year
  • Over 3 million people visit the emergency room each year for a bone fracture

To help diagnose these injuries, there are several different scans that people might receive. Examples of these scans include:

X-ray: An x-ray is the oldest type of radiology scan. It uses radiation to produce an image based on density. Dense substances, such as bone, appear white. Light substances, such as air, appear dark.

CT-Scan: A newer type of scan, a CT (computed tomography) scan is an x-ray that is taken in three dimensions. It still produces an image based on density; however, it provides more detail because it is in three dimensions.

MRI: Short for magnetic resonance imaging, an MRI uses a powerful magnet and produces its image based on the way molecules in the body respond to this magnet. It takes a long time to perform but provides a detailed image.

Unfortunately, for people who suffer from Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), commonly referred to as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, these scans cannot provide a definitive diagnosis. Recently, a research paper was published discussing the possible utility of a PET scan for RSD diagnostic purposes.

What is a PET scan?

A PET scan is short for Positron Emission Tomography. The purpose of this scan is to demonstrate how various organs and tissues are functioning inside of the body. In this scan, a dye is labeled with a radioactive tracer that will light up on the scan. The scan tracks the various locations that the dye travels. The tracer can be swallowed, breathed in, or injected into an IV line depending on the purpose. If an area of the body has higher levels of activity, the scan will light these areas up. Because of this, a PET scan has proven useful in the diagnosis of cancer, heart disease, and neurological conditions. Now, it may serve a purpose in the diagnosis of RSD as well.

Can PET Scans Help Diagnose RSD?

RSD can be a challenging disorder to diagnose. While there are lots of different tests available, it can be a challenge to make a diagnosis. Recently, a research paper was published discussing the utility of PET scans for RSD. The researchers took two groups of patients and gave them PET scans. The first group of patients had a known diagnosis of RSD. The second group of patients did not have RSD. They injected the radiolabeled dye into the patients and gave them each a PET scan. What they found was that the individuals who had been diagnosed with RSD had higher levels of neurological activity in certain areas of their brain, including the:

  • Caudate nucleus
  • Globus Pallidus
  • Nucleus Accumbens
  • Thalamus
  • Putamen

Furthermore, individuals with higher activity in these areas of their brain have reported higher pain scores. Therefore, if a PET scan shows more brain activity in these regions, then these individuals may suffer from RSD. In the future, PET scans may become a powerful diagnostic tool for people with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy.

When someone has been diagnosed with RSD, there are a number of different issues that can arise. For help with these problems, it is a good idea to meet with an experienced RSD attorney in Sacramento. You and your family could be entitled to financial compensation if someone’s negligence caused your injury.

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Contact an Experienced RSD Attorney in Sacramento

I’m Ed Smith, an RSD Lawyer in Sacramento. If someone you know needs help with a diagnosis of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, please call me at 916-382-0693. I am available to provide free, friendly legal advice.

Everyone is asked to look at my sample results here.

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