| A psychologist from Limon heard about brain imaging and thought it was only available on the west coast. However, the superintendent of the Strasburg School system realized that Brain Matters was in Denver and remembered watching a video about brain imaging; he thought, "maybe this is something for our student, Dante (not his real name)." "This student couldn't get his medications right, and we needed to figure out what was going on in his brain."
The family couldn't afford the cost of the scan but the school district and the family were at wits end. Dante's behavior was unpredictable and everyone was concerned about his violent outbursts. The school district and the family tried everything, including homebound schooling. Everyone was contemplating residential care for Dante. The school district was willing to do whatever it took to help this student and proved it by ultimately paying for the scan.
Dante was sent to Brain Matters for a functional brain imaging procedure. Thereafter, Dante's doctor and the Brain Matters doctor consulted, and Dante was started on a new medication.
According to the superintendent, "Dante's personality absolutely turned around. It was like a miracle." When Mr. Powell previously had seen Dante at school, the student hadn't ever acknowledged him and just looked at the floor. Dante had seemed "almost catatonic and could barely function." When the superintendent saw him a few weeks after his medication change, Dante said, "oh hello Mr. Powell," and proceeded to "carry on a fabulous conversation." Dante talked and was animated. He looked the administrator in the eye and showed Mr. Powell the math work he was doing. Mr. Powell couldn't believe this was the same kid.
The superintendent immediately went to the school's principal and told him he couldn't believe what he was seeing. The principal echoed this reaction. Then, the school psychologist contacted the superintendent and bubbled about how well Dante was doing. And when Mr. Powell ran into Dante's mom, she confirmed that he was doing great at home, as well. His mom said she hadn't seen any of the old, violent behaviors and she felt like she got her son back.
When asked his opinion of brain function imaging at Brain Matters, the superintendent of schools said, "You can have other school districts call me. Brain function imaging is something educators need to check out. This was the best money this school district's ever spent."
Mr. Bill Powell
Superintendent
Strasburg Schools
P.O. Box 207
Strasburg, CO 80136
Phone: (303) 622-9211
"We have had the privilege of referring clients for SPECT scans at Brain Matters. Often times these have been people who have seen several psychiatrists, psychologists or other therapists with usually very complex symptomatologies and poor responses to the usual psychotropic regimens. The SPECT scans have proven to be invaluable in pinpointing the affected regions of the brain resulting in more efficacious treatment. Equally important is the sensitivity of the staff in working with the client, from getting a very detailed bio-psychosocial history, to patiently explaining SPECT, to interpreting the results in conference with the patient, family members and referring professionals."
James and Janell Weber
Family Therapy Center
Fort Collins, CO
"I am seeing life-changing events happening with my patients who were at the end of their ropes. This is not only offering them hope...it is saving lives."
Gary Nichols, L.C.S.W.
Pueblo, CO
"I have been profoundly impressed with the accuracy provided by the brain SPECT imaging scans in helping to clarify my patients' diagnoses. The Brain Matters staff has worked hard to improve the accuracy of diagnoses for my patients in a collaborative fashion with the treating physicians and myself. Their interdisciplinary team of experts looks at my patients' entire picture and has helped me pursue appropriate treatment plans. My patients being able to see their brain problems on the scan images has helped to take away the stigma of their mental health conditions."
Julie M. Reilly, L.C.S.W.
Denver, CO |