CT Scan or MRI in a Traumatic Brain Injury?
I’m Ed Smith, a Lincoln Brain Injury Lawyer. Every brain injury has the potential to be serious and rapid diagnosis is the key to an early treatment start time and a successful outcome; however, a diagnosis must also be correct. Establishing the correct diagnosis depends on using the proper diagnostic tool. Two of the common choices are CT scans and MRI scans.
An Overview of CT Scans
CT scan is short for a computed tomography scan. These are continuous x-ray scans that produce a three-dimensional image for the benefit of medical professionals. The scan works by producing an image that differentiates tissue by density. Heavier tissue, such as bone, appears white, while lighter substances, such as air, appear dark. Fluid will be somewhere in between these two substances depending on its density. These scans are exceptional at identifying traumatic injuries, such as bone fractures, and are relatively quick. These are often first-line scans when a patient comes in with concern for a head injury; however, because it is a continuous x-ray, it is radiation-heavy.
MRI Scans are Different
MRI scan is short for magnetic resonance imaging. This scan uses giant magnets and differentiates tissues on an image by how they respond to these magnets. Different tissues have different degrees of positive and negative charges. They will react differently to the magnet and will thus appear different on an image. This scan is different because it doesn’t require any radiation; however, it also takes significantly longer to produce an image. Medical professionals will call upon these scan for a more precise diagnosis.
Which to Use in a Traumatic Brain Injury?
When a patient presents with symptoms of a traumatic brain injury, the question is often whether or not to use a CT scan or a MRI scan. If time is of the essence, a CT scan is often called upon because it is faster. It can also help to identify any associated bone fractures. For situations where precise detail of the underlying tissues is important, the physician may decide to go with a MRI scan instead. Also, a MRI scan is often used to track the progression of a traumatic brain injury after treatment has started.
Related Articles by Lincoln Brain Injury Attorney, Ed Smith:
Experienced Lincoln CA Brain Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Lincoln Brain Injury Lawyer. Every brain injury is serious and making sure that the diagnostic tools are correct is important so that no injuries are missed. If you or a loved one has suffered neurological damage, please contact me soon at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for friendly, free legal advice.
I’ve been helping those who have suffered traumatic brain injuries due to the negligent actions of others for more than 30 years. I help to recover fair and just compensation for injuries suffered.
I am proud to be a lawyer in the California Chapter of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. We are a section of trial attorneys which have been ranked among some of the top trial lawyers in the country. The many members of our forum have earned verdicts or settled cases for amounts greater than $1 Million Dollars.
Many of my historical verdicts and settlements can be looked at here.
My client reviews from the past can be found on Avvo, Yelp, and Google.
Image Source: The MRI scan has been printed with permission from the GNU Free Documentation License and was taken from Wikimedia Commons.
Final Photograph: Edward A Smith, a Lincoln CA Brain Injury Lawyer
:dr bw [cs 584] cv