Are Concussions Visible on MRIs or CT Scans?

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may have gotten an MRI at the hospital. Doctors may have told you, you don’t have a concussion. But is it can concussion be detected on MRIs?

The fact is, it is completely possible to have suffered a concussion and it not be detected by a CT scan or MRI. Learn more about why these scans aren’t always effected at detecting a concussion.

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If you’re still experiencing concussion symptoms have an MRI or CT scan gave you the “all clear,” you could have a concussion. That’s because a concussion cannot be detected o a CT scan or brain MRI.

We’ve had clients tell us they have a normal MRI or CT scan, but still actually suffered a concussion.

The purpose of MRIs and CT scans are to rule out life threatening head injuries that need emergency surgery. Think severe head trauma like bleeding on the brain, a skull fracture, or swelling on the brain.

Brain Functioning

Here’s why concussions are not “seen” on MRIs or CTs. These scans report back the physical anatomy of the brain – not your brain function.

Concussions do not change the appearance of the brain. Concussions change how your brain functions.

If MRIs and CTs cannot diagnose concussions, then how are they discovered?

Doctors diagnose concussion based on your symptoms.

Instant Symptoms

Immediate symptoms of someone who suffers a concussion can include:

• loss of consciousness

• disorientation

• confusion

• slurred speech

• difficulty paying attention

• delayed verbal and motor responses

• staring off

• excessive emotions at or proportion to the circumstance

• memory deficits

Other immediate symptoms can include:

• headaches

• dizziness

• confusion

• ringing in the hears

• tinnitus

• nausea

• vomiting

• visual changes

Delayed Symptoms

It’s important to note that a concussion develops over time. A concussion is not like breaking your leg. A concussion can develop over time and even get worse.

Symptoms that can occur later can include:

• memory disturbances

• attention disturbances

• concentration

• irritability

• sleep disturbances

• personality changes – easily frustrated, more tearful

• fatigue

• persistent, low-grade headache

If you believe you sustained a concussion in a car accident or other personal injury, such as a fall, set up a case assessment when you call 303-688-0944.