The Initial Measures a Medical Professional Will Take to Determine Whether You Have Suffered a TBI
Most of us live pretty active lives, so it’s not uncommon for us to experience a bump or blow to the head. Though our skulls do a pretty good job of protecting our brains, any time we suffer direct trauma to our head or neck or have a sudden jolt around the neck or shoulders, there’s a significant risk that our brain will bounce off the inside of our skull, leading to a potential traumatic brain injury, or TBI. When we’ve had any impact involving our upper torso or our head, the sooner we get an accurate diagnosis of any injury, the more options we’ll have and the better our chances of full recovery.
How Is a Traumatic Brain Injury Diagnosed?
After any bump or blow to the head, you should get a full medical exam as soon as possible, whether in a hospital emergency room, an urgent care facility or in the offices of your primary care doctor. As a general rule, any medical exam conducted in the aftermath of a head or neck injury should also include a neurological exam. Your primary care physician may perform a basic neurological exam, assessing your coordination, eye movement, reflexes, motor function, sensory response and cognitive skills. In some situations, however, your doctor may immediately refer you to a neurologist or a physiatrist for evaluation.
While certain types of imaging can help diagnose a traumatic brain injury, they are typically used as one of many diagnostic tools. For example, an MRI (magnetic resonance image) or a CT (computed tomography) scan can provide evidence of bleeding or pooling of blood on your brain, often an indication of a TBI.
Contact Us to Set Up an Appointment
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we have extensive experience working successfully with individuals who suffer any type of concussion, TBI or traumatic brain injury. Call us toll-free at 1-877-487-8289 or fill out the form provided below to schedule an assessment. We offer locations across Texas, including Fort Worth, Dallas and San Antonio.
