TBI Diagnosis Explained: A Comprehensive Guide to Traumatic Brain Injury Testing

Head injuries can often traumatize the brain and result in a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which is a disruption of the brain’s normal functioning. A TBI results from a sudden trauma to the head, like a sudden jolt or blow. TBIs are commonly caused by falls, car accidents, sports injuries, or even violent assault, and can range from mild to severe with significant repercussions. Healthcare providers diagnose this type of injury through various tests, which we will briefly outline in this article. If you or somebody close to you has suffered a TBI, it is important to seek immediate medical treatment.

How TBI Tests work

TBI tests refer to the series of imaging tests and medical examinations that healthcare providers conduct in order to evaluate the presence and severity of a traumatic brain injury. These tests include everything from initial physical examinations to more complex imaging tests like Computerized Tomography (CT) scans and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Initial Physical Examination

The first test that a person undergoes when they are treated for a head injury is typically the Glasgow coma Scale (GCS), which evaluates the ability of the individual to move their eyes, follow directions, and speak in a comprehensible manner. The higher the score, the less severe the TBI.

Imaging Tests For TBIs

After the initial examination is complete, the doctor may order imaging tests such as CT scans to get a more thorough view of the brain and pinpoint any internal issues such as brain tissue swelling, brain tissue bruising, skull fractures, or blood clots. MRI scans are also commonly used to identify more subtle damage to brain tissue that can happen with milder TBIs. To gain deeper insights into the injury, more advanced techniques such as Susceptibility weighted Imaging (SWI) and Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) may be used.

Healthcare providers may also run blood tests to search for specific biomarkers that indicate brain tissue damage. The person’s motor function, balance, reflexes, coordination, and sensory function may be assessed through neurological exams. If the TBI is more severe, the doctor may need further specialized tests or even surgery to get a comprehensive diagnosis.

How Long Does A TBI Test Take?

As you can probably tell with the range of tests we detailed above, how long testing takes for a TBI depends greatly on the severity of the injury as well as the kinds of tests that the doctor orders. While initial examinations like the GCS only take a few minutes, certain imaging tests like MRIs and CT scans can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour.

Documenting Your TBI

It’s important to document your TBI properly and have the proper evidence of your testing and treatment if you are planning to file an insurance claim. You need to document your symptoms, undergo the required TBI tests, and consistently keep an open line of communication with your medical providers regarding your condition. Keeping a file of all the medical documentation, including proof that you immediately sought treatment and reports from your imaging tests as well as any other evidence of your TBI is essential.

Contact Us Today

If you have suffered a TBI, it’s crucial to immediately seek medical attention and properly document all the proof of your injury. Call Tapalian Law to speak to a traumatic brain injury attorney and plan your next steps today.