How is a traumatic brain injury diagnosed?

Diagnosis of traumatic brain injury (TBI) involves observing the outward damage, using brain imaging to scan the brain, and doing neurological examinations to assess cognitive function, along with other tests. In an open head injury where damage can be seen, the diagnosis is obvious. But with a closed head TBI, the extent of the brain injury cannot be seen.

Doctors may use brain imaging such as computerized tomography (CT) or CAT scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or a positron emission tomography (PET) scan to determine the severity of traumatic brain injury. With mild to moderate injuries, the doctor may take skull and neck X-rays to check for bone fractures or spinal instability. Also, doctors will give the person a neurological examination to see if there is loss of cognitive function. 

Many times it is easier to diagnose a traumatic brain injury if it is a moderate to severe injury.  However, mild traumatic brain injuries may not even be diagnosed until the individual begins to have problems in certain mental or physical situations.

Methods for diagnosing a traumatic brain injury include: (1) an extensive neurological exam, (2) brain imaging using a CAT scan, MRI, SPECT and PET, (3) cognitive evaluation by a Neuropsychologist, (4) evaluations by a speech, occupational and/or physical therapist.