Neurofunctional Imaging · Manhattan

See Your Brain's Function, Not Just Its Structure

When memory changes or MRIs leave questions unanswered, our Brain PET/CT Program delivers a cellular-level metabolic map — often detecting changes long before other scans can.

Clear Answers for Memory Loss & Cognitive Changes

When MRI results are inconclusive, our Brain PET scan reveals how your brain is functioning at the cellular level — often detecting changes before they appear on other scans.

Fast, Comfortable, Outpatient

Whole-brain scan in as little as 8 minutes. Private Manhattan facility with no hospital waitlists. You're in, out, and on your way — with answers.

State-of-the-Art Digital PET Technology

United Imaging uMI 550 with 2.9 mm resolution and AI motion correction. Exceptional clarity for detecting subtle metabolic changes.

Direct Access for You & Your Physician

Board-certified radiologists. Rapid 24–48 hour reporting. Your doctor gets the detailed answers needed to guide your care.

Schedule Your Scan
What Is a Brain PET Scan

A Metabolic Map of Your Brain

A PET scan reveals how your brain cells are using energy at a cellular level — information that structural MRI and CT scans simply cannot provide.
Healthy
88%
Mild Change
63%
Moderate
45%
Reduced
25%
0.1

Healthy Cells Use Energy Steadily

Normal brain tissue consistently metabolizes glucose — this shows as uniform, bright activity across regions.

0.2

Struggling Cells Use Less Energy

Degenerating or diseased cells metabolize less glucose, creating distinct "dim" regions on the scan that reveal the problem.

0.3

Changes Detected Before Structure Shifts

Metabolic changes often appear years before structural abnormalities are visible on MRI, enabling earlier, more actionable answers.

0.4

Healthy Cells Use Energy Steadily

Normal brain tissue consistently metabolizes glucose — this shows as uniform, bright activity across regions.

Conditions We Evaluate

Answers for Complex Neurological Questions

Brain PET/CT is a powerful diagnostic tool across a range of conditions that are difficult to distinguish with standard imaging.

Memory Loss & Cognitive Decline

Forgetting recent events, difficulty finding words, personality changes, or confusion in familiar places may indicate a treatable or manageable condition.

Unexplained MRI Findings

When structural imaging returns "inconclusive" results, PET provides the metabolic context needed to determine significance and next steps.

Brain Tumor Monitoring

Distinguish active tumor from post-treatment scar tissue, guide biopsy decisions, and track therapy response with metabolic precision.

Refractory Seizure Evaluation

For seizures that don't respond to medication, PET localizes the hypometabolic seizure focus to support surgical planning and treatment decisions.

Differential Diagnosis

Distinguishing Between Types of Dementia

Many forms of dementia appear similar on standard imaging but require very different approaches to care. Brain PET reveals the distinct metabolic pattern of each.
Condition What the PET Scan Identifies
Alzheimer's Disease Characteristic hypometabolism in posterior parietal and temporal cortex; often bilateral and asymmetric in early stages
Lewy Body Dementia Distinct patterns affecting occipital lobes (vision processing areas); often accompanied by characteristic visual and cognitive fluctuations
Frontotemporal Dementia Prominent metabolic reduction in frontal and anterior temporal lobes; helps differentiate from Alzheimer's clinically and pathologically
Vascular Dementia Multifocal, irregular patterns of reduced metabolism corresponding to areas of prior ischemic injury and reduced blood flow
Our Technology

The Most Advanced Digital PET/CT Available

We use the United Imaging uMI 550 Digital PET/CT — one of the highest-resolution systems available, purpose-built to detect the subtle metabolic changes that matter most.
2.9mm

Exceptional Clarity

Detects subtle metabolic changes that older or lower-resolution systems routinely miss.
8 min

Fast Scan Times

Whole-brain protocols complete in as little as 8 minutes, minimizing discomfort and motion artifact.
SUV

Quantitative Analysis

Standardized uptake value measurements allow objective comparison and tracking over time.
AI

Motion Correction

Advanced algorithms adjust for patient movement, maintaining image quality even if you shift slightly.

United Imaging uMI 550 Digital PET/CT

A digital detector system designed for demanding neurological cases where image quality directly impacts clinical decision-making.

Resolution

2.9 mm FWHM

Sensitivity

High-sensitivity digital
Protocol Low-dose optimized
Tracer FDG (18F-fluorodeoxyglucose)
Reading Board-certified radiologist
Differential Diagnosis

Distinguishing Between Types of Dementia

Many forms of dementia appear similar on standard imaging but require very different approaches to care. Brain PET reveals the distinct metabolic pattern of each.
0.1

Schedule

Call or use our online form. No waitlists — we find a time that works for you, often within days.

5 min

0.2

Preparation

Fast for 4–6 hours before (water is fine). We send clear preparation instructions to ensure the best image quality.

4–6 hrs prior

0.3

Arrival & Injection

Arrive at our private Manhattan facility. A small amount of FDG tracer is injected — equivalent to a blood draw.

15 min

0.4

Uptake Period

Relax quietly in a dimly lit room while the tracer circulates and is absorbed by your brain.

30–60 min

0.5

The Scan

Lie comfortably on the scanning table. The scan is painless — you simply need to remain still.

15–30 min

0.6

Results

A specialized radiologist interprets your images. A comprehensive report is sent to your physician within 24–48 hours.

24–48 hrs

0.7

Next Steps

Your referring physician reviews findings with you and recommends a clear path forward based on the results.

With your MD

0.8

Total Appointment

Plan for approximately 2–2.5 hours total, including check-in, injection, uptake period, and scan.

~2–2.5 hrs total

For Referring Physicians

Clinical Information & Referral Access

FDG-PET provides quantitative cerebral glucose metabolism data that complements and extends your clinical assessment where structural imaging falls short.

FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose) is a glucose analog that traces regional neuronal activity through cerebral glucose metabolism. Hypometabolic patterns on FDG-PET often precede structural changes on MRI by months to years, providing earlier diagnostic confidence.

Clinical Indications

  • Differential diagnosis of dementias — Alzheimer's, FTD, Lewy body, vascular
  • Detection of neurodegenerative changes preceding MRI findings
  • Refractory epilepsy — localization of interictal hypometabolic seizure foci
  • Brain tumor — differentiating recurrence from post-treatment change
  • Inconclusive or incidental MRI findings requiring metabolic characterization

Refer a Patient

Phone

(212) 363-7315

Email

info@cpaimaging.com

Access
Direct scheduling. No hospital waitlists. Dedicated access for your patients.

Reports
Structured reports with quantitative SUV measurements, delivered within 24–48 hours.
Questions We Hear Often

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the radiation safe?
Yes. We use state-of-the-art low-dose protocols. The radiation level is comparable to other standard nuclear medicine procedures and is carefully minimized while maintaining excellent image quality.
Does the scan hurt?
The only slight discomfort is the initial injection, which is similar to having blood drawn. The scan itself is completely painless — you simply lie still on a comfortable table.
How long does the appointment take?
Plan for approximately 2–2.5 hours total. The scan itself is brief, but the 30–60 minute uptake period is essential for obtaining the highest quality images.
Will my insurance cover this?
Coverage varies by plan. Our front office staff will verify your benefits and provide clear cost estimates before your appointment — no surprises.
When will my doctor receive results?
Your physician will typically receive a detailed, structured report along with your images within 24–48 hours of your scan.
Do I need a referral?
In most cases, yes — a referral from your physician ensures the scan is appropriate for your clinical situation and facilitates insurance coverage. Call us and we can guide you.

You Don't Have to Live With Uncertainty

Whether you're seeking answers for yourself or a loved one, we're here to provide the clearest possible picture — and the peace of mind you deserve.
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