How do doctors test for brain injury?

Doctors may use a medical exam, neurological testing, and imaging assessments to look for a brain injury. A Chicago brain injury lawyer can teach you about these tests. If you are dealing with an injury to the brain caused by someone else, your attorney may help you seek damages from any at-fault parties.

If you’re wondering how to test for brain injury, the team at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, can help you out. Our skilled attorneys have provided answers to common questions we get surrounding brain injury testing below.

A doctor looking over brain scans as a way they test for brain injury

What are the signs of brain damage?

Common symptoms of a brain injury include confusion, behavior or mood changes, nausea, slurred speech, and loss of consciousness. These symptoms may affect a person physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Can I have a brain injury and not know it?

There are many common delayed injuries after a car accident and other incidents. If you were recently involved in an auto crash or any other type of catastrophe, you may be dealing with an injury to the brain without realizing it.

Can you test for brain injury?

Yes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American College of Rehabilitation Medicine, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have published guidelines for diagnosing a traumatic brain injury (TBI). They promote the use of tests to assess an individual’s motor and sensory functions, coordination, eye movement, and reflexes. Along with these assessments, doctors and other medical professionals may use computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to help identify serious brain injuries.

Can a test check for brain injury?

Yes. To diagnose a traumatic brain injury, a healthcare provider may take images of a patient’s brain. This allows the provider to see if the brain is bleeding or bruised. The provider may also utilize the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) to analyze a patient’s ability to speak, move, and open their eyes. In addition, speech, language, blood, and other tests may be performed.

How do you get tested for brain injury?

You may display physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms that indicate you may be dealing with an injury to the brain. These symptoms may include headaches, sensitivities to light and sound, and irritability.

If you believe you have suffered an injury, it is best to consult with a doctor. This allows you to undergo a medical exam. Based on the exam results, you may require additional testing to help the doctor determine if a brain injury diagnosis is warranted.

Is there a test for traumatic brain injury?

There is no single test a doctor will use to diagnose an injury to the brain. A doctor may conduct a medical evaluation and collect information about a patient’s injury and symptoms. From here, they may use several assessments to determine if the patient is dealing with a TBI.

How do they test for traumatic brain injury?

GCS, imaging tests, and an intracranial pressure monitor are three of the tests a doctor may use to test for a TBI. Every injury is different, and a doctor may perform a battery of tests to understand a patient’s symptoms and if they are related to a TBI.

Does the person responsible for my injury to the brain have to pay for it?

You may be able to seek damages from anyone who caused your injury to the brain. At Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, we offer legal help with personal injury claims. Our brain injury attorney in Chicago can review your case and go over your legal options with you. To schedule a free consultation, contact us online or call us at (800) 985-1819.