Military Uses SPECT Scans for Concussions

by Jean Rickerson Founder/editor

May 28, 2011-- CT scans and MRIs are unreliable indicators of concussions, most experts agree.  While useful for detecting more serious brain injuries such as a fractured skull or a hematoma (bleed), they are unable to show areas of the brain that are affected by the metabolic imbalances associated with concussion.

Major Andrew Fong, chief of radiology at Blanchfield Army Community Hospital in Kentucky, works at one of only two military installations in the U.S. that uses technology that gives a snapshot of blood flow through various areas of the brain.  A post-injury SPECT (single-photon emission computerized tomography) scan will show decreased blood flow as darker areas.  Parts of the brain where blood flow is more active will show up in red or white. 

According to the Associated Press,"'... as Fong started looking at soldiers who were coming back from war with brain injuries, he saw large areas of their brains that were less active than normal.

Some patients have both TBI and PTSD, which in our population, about half have a dual diagnosis," he said. "Dr. Fong will alert us to areas of increased blood flow in the places where emotions are controlled. It will help us confirm the diagnosis that we are seeing clinically.'"

Spc. James Saylor was serving in Afghanistan when a mortar exploded next to him. 

"In the beginning, Saylor, like a lot of soldiers, wasn't entirely convinced that a concussion could be causing his symptoms.

"When I first came in, I was like, 'Why am I going through this program?'" he said. "I've had a concussion before when I was younger, playing football."

But as his doctors started to show him how the injury affected his mood and function, he said he now has a better understanding of how to control his emotions. His wife, who has been supporting him through the rehabilitation, said the scans were an eye-opener," according to the AP.

Not much attention is placed on the emotional and psychological symptoms associated with sports-related concussions.  Depression, anxiety, and mood swings can be experienced by youth athletes post-injury and may be difficult to recognize.  SPECT scans are shedding light on a relationship between the physical injury and the emotional center of the brain.

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Questions/comments?  contact Jean Rickerson at jean@sportsconcussions.org