Concussion Testing
Diagnosing a concussion can be tricky. Although many degrees of head trauma can cause one, the most common concussions—those that result from mild head injuries—generally do not involve identifiable bleeding or bruising in the brain. This means an imaging technology such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) that can diagnose a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), isn’t a viable way to diagnose a concussion.
Since brain scans can identify bruising or bleeding in the brain but not the cellular damage thought to cause concussion symptoms, healthcare professionals must rely on a careful assessment of symptoms and neuropsychological function. Sometimes this is done on-site, immediately after an injury, when an athlete experiences a blow or jolt to the head, and a decision must be made quickly about whether he or she can safely get back into the game.
Concussion Testing
Signs and symptoms of a concussion can vary greatly. Sometimes it’s quite obvious that someone may have one. Persons with concussions often can’t remember what happened just before and after the injury. If there is no loss of consciousness, the person should be confused or dazed immediately after impact. Common symptoms of concussion include:
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Ringing in the ears
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Concentration or memory problems
- Mood and behavioral changes
Symptoms typically improve within days to weeks.
How Concussions are Diagnosed
Because there’s no simple test for diagnosing a concussion, several steps are involved. The Weill Cornell Brain and Spine Center, for example, narrows it down to these:
- Interview testing for various types of amnesia: These include the documentation of the presence and extent of any retrograde amnesia (a lack of memory about what happened just before the injury), anterograde amnesia (a lack of memory about what happened just after the injury), loss of consciousness, and post-traumatic amnesia. Post-traumatic amnesia refers to loss of memory for events after the trauma and is especially important because it will tell a healthcare professional the most information about a patient’s prognosis.
- Determination of the severity of symptoms and how extensive they are: Often this is part of an on-site assessment of an athlete who’s been injured on the field and uses a standardized scale. The most common of these, the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT), looks at symptoms, attention, memory, recent events in the game or event, and checks for problems with balance and coordination.
- Examination of neurological symptoms: This may involve tests of strength, sensation, reflexes, coordination, and other neurological functions.
Conclusion
Diagnosing a concussion can be a complex process that requires a careful assessment of symptoms and neuropsychological function. While there is no simple test for diagnosing a concussion, healthcare professionals use a combination of interview testing, standardized scales, and neurological examinations to diagnose and treat concussions. It is essential to have a thorough understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of concussions to ensure proper care and management of patients who have suffered a concussion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the common symptoms of a concussion?
A: The common symptoms of a concussion include headache, nausea or vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound, ringing in the ears, dizziness, insomnia, concentration or memory problems, and mood and behavioral changes.
Q: How are concussions diagnosed?
A: Concussions are diagnosed through a combination of interview testing, standardized scales, and neurological examinations.
Q: What is the treatment for a concussion?
A: The treatment for a concussion typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) to help reduce symptoms and promote healing. In some cases, additional treatment may be necessary to address specific symptoms or complications.
Q: Can a concussion be cured?
A: While the symptoms of a concussion typically improve within days to weeks, some people may experience persistent symptoms or complications. In these cases, additional treatment or therapy may be necessary to help manage symptoms and promote recovery.
