Ictal SPECT
Single photon emission computed tomography performed during or immediately after a seizure to identify seizure onset zones.
Full Definition
Ictal SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) involves injecting a radiotracer during or within seconds of seizure onset to capture cerebral blood flow patterns during ictal activity. The scan is typically performed hours later when the patient is stable, as the tracer remains fixed in brain tissue. This technique shows increased perfusion in seizure onset zones and decreased perfusion in areas of seizure spread or suppression. Ictal SPECT is particularly valuable in presurgical evaluation when other localization methods are inconclusive or conflicting.
Usage
Usage note: Timing of injection is critical - must occur within 2 minutes of seizure onset for optimal results.
In Context
- "Ictal SPECT demonstrated hyperperfusion in the left mesial temporal structures during complex partial seizures." — Radiology report
- "The nursing staff was trained in rapid ictal SPECT injection protocols for epilepsy monitoring patients." — Training manual