How Are Brain Injuries Diagnosed?

If you have been diagnosed with a brain injury caused by another party’s negligence, we are here to help. At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we represent traumatic brain injury victims on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you won’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case.

Contact us today at 833-997-1774 for a free consultation.

What Are the Common Methods Used to Diagnose a Brain Injury?

Diagnosing a brain injury typically involves a combination of clinical evaluations, imaging tests, and neurological assessments. The most common methods include:

• Physical and neurological exams: Doctors assess the patient’s physical condition, mental state, and reflexes to check for signs of a brain injury. This might include tests of cognitive function, balance, and coordination.
• CT scan (Computed Tomography): A CT scan provides detailed images of the brain, helping to detect structural damage such as bleeding, swelling, or skull fractures. It is often the first imaging test performed in emergency situations.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An MRI offers a more detailed view of brain tissue and can identify injuries that might not be visible on a CT scan, such as mild brain injuries, tissue damage, or swelling.
• Neuropsychological tests: These tests assess memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities. They are often used in cases of mild brain injury (concussion) to evaluate cognitive changes over time.
• Electroencephalogram (EEG): In some cases, an EEG may be used to detect abnormal brain activity, such as seizures, which could indicate brain injury.

How Do Doctors Determine the Severity of a Brain Injury?

The severity of a brain injury is generally determined based on the clinical presentation and the results of diagnostic tests. The primary method for assessing severity is the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), which evaluates the patient’s level of consciousness based on eye, verbal, and motor responses. A higher GCS score indicates less severe impairment, while a lower score suggests a more serious injury.

Imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs help doctors understand the extent of physical damage to the brain. A mild brain injury might show no visible damage on an MRI, but cognitive tests may reveal subtle impairments. On the other hand, moderate or severe brain injuries often show structural changes, such as contusions, bleeding, or swelling.

Can Brain Injuries Be Diagnosed Without Imaging Tests?

Brain injuries can sometimes be diagnosed without the use of imaging tests, particularly in cases of mild brain injuries like concussions. In these instances, the diagnosis is often based on a detailed history of the injury (such as the mechanism of trauma), clinical symptoms, and neurological evaluations.

Neuropsychological assessments are crucial in diagnosing subtle or mild brain injuries, as they help doctors evaluate cognitive function, memory, concentration, and other mental processes that could be affected by a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). These tests can identify cognitive changes even when imaging tests don’t show clear evidence of injury.

When Should a Doctor Use Advanced Imaging Like an MRI or CT Scan?

Advanced imaging, like CT scans or MRIs, is typically used when a brain injury is suspected to be more severe or if the patient exhibits concerning symptoms, such as loss of consciousness, persistent headache, vomiting, or confusion.

A CT scan is often the first choice in emergency situations because it is quick and effective in identifying life-threatening conditions like brain bleeds, skull fractures, or swelling. MRI is more commonly used for follow-up assessments or in cases where the CT scan does not provide enough information, especially when the injury involves soft tissue damage or mild traumatic brain injury that may not be immediately obvious.

If symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, or persistent headaches persist after the initial injury, doctors may recommend an MRI to assess for long-term damage or less obvious brain injuries.

Can Your Injury Law Firm Help?

If you’ve been diagnosed with a brain injury or are experiencing symptoms after an accident, it’s essential to seek both medical and legal help. At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, our brain injury attorneys have been representing clients in traumatic brain injury cases for decades, helping them recover the compensation they deserve. We handle cases on a contingency-fee basis, so you won’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case.

Call us today at 833-997-1774 to schedule a free consultation with a brain injury lawyer and let us help you get the care and compensation you need.