Neurological PET/CT Scan

A new neurological PET scan study from Finland is creating a buzz in the medical imaging world. Researchers used this advanced imaging technique to show how music activates the brain’s natural opioid system, providing groundbreaking insight into the science of pleasure.

While many associate PET/CT with cancer detection, this research highlights the exciting role it can play in understanding emotional wellness, pain management, and neurological function.

In the study, 15 participants underwent a neurological PET scan while listening to a playlist of their favorite music. As the songs played, the scan tracked a radiotracer that binds to mu-opioid receptors—the same receptors involved in pain relief and emotional pleasure. The results revealed increased activity in the brain’s reward centers, offering the first direct imaging evidence that music influences our brain’s opioid response.

These findings support what many already feel intuitively: music can be healing. Now, thanks to modern imaging, we can see why.

At Capitol Imaging Services, our PET/CT technology is already used in neurological evaluations—such as identifying changes related to dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, and other conditions affecting the brain. This study opens the door to future possibilities, including:

• Supporting alternative therapies like music or art therapy
  
• Exploring new approaches to pain management
  
• Understanding emotional or cognitive changes in patients with neurological conditions
  

Each neurological PET scan provides an in-depth look at how the brain is working—not just structurally, but chemically and functionally.

Credit: This post was inspired by reporting from AuntMinnie.com, a trusted news source for medical imaging professionals. Aunt Minnie covers clinical research, industry trends, and technology advancements in radiology and nuclear medicine.

Contact us today to learn more about PET/CT scans and the Capitol Imaging Services’ centers that offer it.