Preparing for lumbar puncture, MRI & PET scans
Having a brain scan or a lumbar puncture can be a daunting experience for anyone. As brain imaging becomes more commonplace for people with Down syndrome, families may struggle with preparing their loved one for a procedure. LuMind IDSC has developed a series of multi-media tools families can use to get ready for these important medical procedures.
The “What to Expect” video series is designed to help people with Down syndrome to experience medical and/or research procedures. These step-by-step videos provide an in-depth overview of the process with the goal of alleviating anxiety of the unknown and making the experience as smooth as possible.
* In this video Susie is sitting for the procedure. In addition to the collection of spinal fluid, she also receives medication via a lumbar puncture, because she is participating in a clinical trial.
Join Susie as she goes through a medical procedure called a “lumbar puncture.”
A lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, is a medical procedure used to collect cerebrospinal fluid—the clear liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. This is done by inserting a thin needle into the lower back, between the bones of the spine. The area is numbed beforehand to reduce discomfort, and most people feel only pressure during the procedure.
* In this video Susie is lying down for the procedure. Whether a person sits or lies down for the procedure depends on many different factors: the policies of the clinic, the protocol of the research study (if applicable), the preferences of the doctor administering the procedure, and the comfort of the person undergoing the procedure.
Join Susie as she goes through a medical procedure called a “lumbar puncture.”
A lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, is a medical procedure used to collect cerebrospinal fluid—the clear liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. This is done by inserting a thin needle into the lower back, between the bones of the spine. The area is numbed beforehand to reduce discomfort, and most people feel only pressure during the procedure.
* Please note that Samuel’s experience is meant to represent a “typical” visit, but each clinic’s policies and each diagnostic protocol may differ slightly from the one you see on the screen.*
A PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography) is an imaging test that is used to show the function of your tissues and organs. A radioactive drug called a “tracer” is injected in tiny doses into the arm, and then a large tube-shaped camera takes pictures of the tracer inside the body. The tracer allows doctors and researchers to see areas in your body that have both typical and atypical functions. PET scans are often used to discover the presence of amyloid plaque in the brain, which is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.
* Please note that Samuel’s experience is meant to represent a “typical” visit, but each clinic’s policies and each diagnostic protocol may differ slightly from the one you see on the screen.*
An MRI Scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is an imaging test that uses a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to create detailed images of tissues, organs, and bones. An MRI machine is a large, tube-shaped magnet. When lying inside the MRI machine, the magnetic field inside the machine works to produce high-resolution images of your body. MRI machines are very loud, but the images they produce are very important because they help diagnose a variety of disorders and conditions.
The future of Down syndrome research is NOW. Developments in the field are happening every day, and you are always welcome to learn more about Down syndrome research in action.
Are you interested in research? If you’d like to learn from families like yours who have participated in research, watch these quick videos about the importance of participating in Down syndrome research.
Have you seen our digital resource library? It’s free and available for anyone connected to Down syndrome! Our webinars, guides, articles and columns cover a wide range of Down syndrome-related topics.
