After a car accident or serious fall, symptoms like confusion, headaches, memory loss, and dizziness can indicate more than just whiplash. In many cases, these symptoms point to a concussion, a form of traumatic brain injury that may not be immediately visible through standard imaging or exams. At TBI Diagnostic Centers, we specialize in advanced concussion testing designed to objectively identify whether a TBI has occurred and guide treatment for optimal recovery.
This type of concussion testing is especially important for individuals who may not show symptoms right away but are still at risk of serious neurological damage.
What Is Concussion Testing?
Concussion testing is a specialized diagnostic process used to determine the presence and severity of a traumatic brain injury. At TBI Diagnostic Centers, our protocol goes beyond traditional imaging by incorporating a thorough clinical evaluation that assesses both physical and cognitive impairments.
This allows us to determine the nature of the injury, identify specific neurological deficits, and recommend a treatment plan tailored to the patient’s needs. Our approach is focused on delivering clear answers so that recovery can begin with confidence and clarity.
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or a sudden force to the body that causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull. This movement can lead to chemical changes in the brain and may damage or stretch brain cells.
While considered a mild form of brain injury, concussions can have serious consequences if left undiagnosed or untreated. The effects can be subtle, develop over time, and interfere with memory, focus, mood, sleep, and balance.
Traumatic brain injury more broadly refers to any nondegenerative, noncongenital insult to the brain caused by an external mechanical force. These injuries can result in temporary or permanent impairment of cognitive, emotional, and physical function.
Concussions are the most common type of TBI and often go unnoticed without targeted concussion testing.
Recognizing Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Concussion symptoms can appear immediately or take hours or days to become noticeable. Individuals may experience headaches, confusion, memory loss, nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, or sensitivity to light and noise.
Others may have difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, mood swings, or changes in personality. In some cases, a witness might observe delayed reactions to questions, slurred speech, a dazed appearance, or forgetfulness such as repeating the same question.
In young children and infants, signs of a concussion may include excessive crying, irritability, loss of interest in toys, balance issues, changes in sleeping or eating patterns, or vomiting.
Because these symptoms can be subtle or attributed to other causes, concussion testing is essential to rule out or confirm injury and guide next steps.
Why Concussion Testing Matters
Many traumatic brain injuries are not visible on a standard CT or MRI scan. That is why targeted concussion testing plays such a critical role in diagnosis and treatment.
At TBI Diagnostic Centers, our testing protocol is designed to detect brain injuries that may otherwise go unnoticed. By identifying neurological impairments early, we can help patients access proper care and begin the recovery process.
Accurate testing also provides important documentation that can support legal claims or insurance needs following an accident. Without proper diagnosis, patients may struggle with lingering symptoms that could have been addressed earlier through specialized care.
Get in Touch
If you or a loved one has experienced an accident and is showing signs of a concussion, it is important to take action. You can contact us here to request more information or to get connected with a provider.
For more details about the testing protocol and services available, visit the TBI Diagnostic Centers website.
