Head-Brain Injury & Concussion
In the event of a severe brain injury (Traumatic Brain Injury), the doctor may order a Cat scan or an MRI to determine any bleeding in the brain.
The symptoms of severe head injury include confusion, drowsiness, vomiting, trouble with balance.
A vast majority of brain injuries (about 90%) do not result in bleeding. Therefore in such cases, a CAT scan or MRI are not useful.
The diagnosis of a mild TBI, called concussion, comprises symptoms that can be subtle and may manifest in the next hour, or even a few days or weeks.
- Physical symptoms include: headache, nausea, balance, dizziness
- Cognitive symptoms include: difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Emotional symptoms include: irritability, sadness
- Maintenance functions include: sleep disturbances, changes in appetite or energy levels