Will a CAT scan identify if I have had a Concussion?

A concussion is a functional brain injury resulting from a direct blow to the head or the result of the brain being exposed to abnormal forces (without a direct blow to the head) as in a whiplash event occurring in sporting events or motor vehicle accidents.

Signs and symptoms of a concussion may include pain, dizziness, nausea, irritability and concentration issues. Statistically, the majority of functional brain injuries from concussions do not show any findings with special imaging such as a CT (CAT – Computerized Axial Tomography) scan, however, some do. When a concussion is severe enough, structural changes can occur which can be detected with a CT scan.

Severe and unresolving headaches, nausea, vomiting, seizures, arm weakness, slurred speech, confusion and drowsiness are indications for advanced imaging evaluation such as a CT scan. CT scans can show structural injuries such as brain bleeding, skull fracture and/or brain tissue damage.

When there is evidence of a concussion, CT scans are routinely ordered by emergency room physicians and private practice physicians to evaluate the extent of the brain injury. If you have had a concussion, consult your physician.

Our mission at Houston MRI & Diagnostic Imaging is to provide the patients and physicians with affordable medical diagnostic imaging in a warm and patient friendly environment. It is our goal to make the medical imaging procedure as pleasant as possible. Our promise to our communities is "hospital quality imaging without the hospital costs" with efficient service to both our patients and physicians.