Most traumatic brain injuries are emergency situations, where conditions often deteriorate rapidly without timely assessment and treatment of the specific condition.
Head injury specialists have devised a few basic tests and screening tools to help detect the presence and potential severity of a brain injury.
A potential brain injury victim should seek medical evaluation immediately. However, milder injuries (such as concussions) sometimes go unevaluated for days or even weeks.
TBI testing tools can still help to determine signs of damage even if they are not administered immediately after the initial injury.
Initial Screening Tools and TBI Assessments
Doctors or other trained medical personnel may begin a traumatic brain injury assessment by asking the patient to answer certain questions or follow instructions.
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- What caused the injury?
- Did the victim lose consciousness?
- Were changes in alertness, speaking, or coordination observed?
- Where was the head struck (side, rear) or were any other body parts struck?
- What struck the victim’s head? How far did he/she fall?
- Was the victim thrown, whipped around, or severely jarred in any way?
- Traumatic Brain Injury History: It is also important to note whether the victim has any known history of head injuries. Medical personnel should be notified if the patient has been previously treated for concussions or other traumatic brain injuries. Brain injuries from multiple traumas can have cumulative effects, which may identify the victim as needing more intensive treatment.
Common Imaging Tests for TBI
If initial screenings and/or accident details reveal a traumatic brain injury and potential damage, doctors or hospital staff will often order one or more imaging tests. Imaging tests use different scanning techniques to produce visual maps of a patient’s brain, often revealing bleeding, swelling, and the presence of clots.
- CT scan (Computerized Tomography): Uses X-Rays to quickly visualize fractures and confirm evidence of bleeding and swelling in the brain. CT scans can be administered quickly and are used as a preview of suspected brain injuries.
- MRI scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Utilizes magnets and radio waves to create a detailed, 3-D cross-section view of the brain. MRIs take longer to administer and may be used following an initial CT scan to allow doctors to see, in detail, specific areas of the brain and any localized or widespread damage.
Medical assessment should take place immediately, even in cases of mild injury. Patients should not wait to see if symptoms persist. Allow a doctor or other health professional to complete an initial assessment. If necessary, testing can be requested to ensure no damage exists. If damage is revealed, an appropriate treatment plan can be put into action almost immediately.
References:
Mayo Clinic – TBI Tests and Diagnosis – https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20378557
