Traumatic Brain Injury Tests
A traumatic brain injury could occur at any time, and it is vital to get a diagnosis as quickly as possible. This is where tests for a traumatic brain injury can come in handy. Depending on the type of TBI that a person has suffered, these tests will yield different results. This will help medical professionals make the right diagnosis and start the right treatment plan as quickly as possible. Some of the types of TBIs that a person might sustain include:
- Concussion: A concussion is one of the most common types of TBIs. This blow to the head will cause the brain to have a temporary alteration in its level of functioning. Some concussions will lead to a loss of consciousness, while others will not.
- Cerebral Contusion: This type of TBI is a bruise of the brain tissue. A bruise occurs when superficial blood vessels have been ruptured, leading to black and blue color.
- Cerebral Hemorrhage: A cerebral hemorrhage takes place when the larger blood vessels of the brain are torn. This causes a brain bleed which can quickly become life-threatening. This is a medical emergency.
All of these diagnoses have different treatment plans. That’s why making the correct diagnosis is critical. This is where these tests for a traumatic brain injury are crucial.
Tests of Brain Function and Processing
One of the first tests that medical professionals use might be tests of orientation. While these might feel like a test or a quiz from school, these questions help the doctor assess the brain’s level of functioning. A few questions that might be asked include:
- What is your name?
- What is your birthday?
- What is today’s date?
- Where are you at right now?
- Why are you here?
- Who is the President of the United States?
The doctor might also ask the following questions:
- Please draw a clock with the current time using minute and hour hands.
- I am going to give you three items and ask you what they are in 5 minutes, so do not forget them.
- Please draw a cube.
An individual who has sustained a TBI might have trouble performing one or more of these tasks. If people are struggling to answer these questions or perform these tasks, their head injury could be severe.
Physical Examination Tests
After the history of the accident has been completed, the doctor will probably perform some physical examination tests. These tests will also test the motor and sensory functions of the brain. Below are a few of the physical exam maneuvers that the doctor might perform:
- Testing the various reflexes throughout the body.
- Assessing hearing on both the right and the left side.
- Assessing the visual acuity of each eye individually and then together.
- Testing the visual fields of each eye.
- Testing the ability of the limbs to feel temperature, pain, and pressure.
- Assessing the strength of the various muscle groups throughout the body.
The doctor might also ask the patient to walk across the room in various ways, perform rapid alternating movements, and perform finger-to-nose testing. All of these tests will target different parts of the brain, helping the doctor figure out where the traumatic brain injury could be located.
Watch YouTube Video: MTBI/TBI Special Tests. This video provides an overview of the different testings that are done for a traumatic brain injury.
Imaging Scans Will Be Next
Once all of these is done, the doctor might also order an image of the brain. These pictures are relevant because they could yield a definitive diagnosis and might be needed for the brain surgeon if an operation is necessary. Two of the most common imaging modalities used include:
- CT Scan: A Computed Tomography (CT) scan can be thought of as an x-ray that is performed in three dimensions. In a CT scan, the machine will spin around the body in a circle. It is a quick test that takes only a few seconds, so it is useful for emergency situations; however, it also uses a lot of radiation and might miss small details.
- MRI: A Magnetic Resonance Image (MRI) is produced using powerful magnets. Because this scanner uses magnets, it does not require any radiation, which is a significant benefit. It also provides a more detailed image than a CT scan. Unfortunately, this test also takes much longer to be completed.
Each of these imaging tests has its benefits and drawbacks. Some people might not require any imaging while others might receive both. This is an important decision that needs to be made in conjunction with a trained medical professional.
Contacting a Brain Injury Lawyer
A traumatic brain injury is always dangerous and requires the prompt attention of a trained medical professional. Once this is done, families should also meet with a traumatic brain injury lawyer in San Francisco. An experienced brain injury lawyer can help families review the information related to both their accident and their injuries and review all of the options available. Rely on the expertise of a San Francisco traumatic brain injury lawyer to assist with the recovery process. You and your family could be owed a financial award.
San Francisco Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a traumatic brain injury lawyer in San Francisco. The tests for a traumatic brain injury are all necessary and can help doctors make the right diagnosis. Should you or a family member suffer a TBI in a traumatic event, call me at (415) 805-7284 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice.
I am a proud member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum in California. This segment of injury lawyers has been named with some of the top accident attorneys in the country. Our members have settled cases or earned verdicts of over $1 million.
Please take a look at my membership in the Top One Percent, a National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
Feel free to read over some of our verdicts/settlements.
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Attribution of Image: Pixabay.com.
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