Your friend or family member recently sustained a head injury while working for a Georgia-based employer. Lately, you have witnessed some odd behaviors, ones that are out of the ordinary for that individual. Understandably, you worry the head injury may have done more damage than either of you realize.
To get answers to your questions, it helps to know how medical professionals can accurately diagnose a brain injury.
Brain injuries require a clinical diagnosis
A lot goes into nailing down an irrefutable brain injury diagnosis. The doctor will likely ask you about the symptoms you noticed and any suspicions you have. Your loved one should prepare to break down the history and background of the injury and should expect a physical examination.
Medical technology assists in making such diagnoses
CT scans are common during a brain injury diagnosis. This procedure can show indications of swelling and bleeding in the brain. One thing to bear in mind with these scans is that it is not uncommon for them to fail to detect anything medically troubling in patients who have a minor brain injury or concussion. Ongoing monitoring and future scans are a good idea.
MRI machines use the power of magnetism to pick up traces of bruising, bleeding and scarring in the brain. MRI scans and CT scans complement each other, as a symptom that does not show up on a CT scan could send up a red flag on a resonance imaging scan. Like CT scans, MRIs are not without their shortcomings; a person with abnormal brain activity could receive a clean bill of health after an MRI scan.
Constant vigilance is best
The best strategy with a suspected brain injury is to have your friend or family member make an appointment with a neurological surgeon, neurologist or other physicians who specialize in brain injuries. Should either of you even suspect a worsening or changing diagnosis, do not hesitate in scheduling a follow-up visit ASAP.