Diagnosis: Traumatic brain injury

During a motor vehicle or slip and fall accident, you vaguely remember hitting your head. You think you may have a brain injury, but do not know what to look for.

Mayo Clinic describes various ways to diagnose a TBI. Ensure physicians use the proper medical equipment and methods to offer a proper diagnosis.

Asking questions

While seeing a doctor about your potential TBI, you may answer questions about the overall severity of your injury. For instance, a physician may ask about the circumstances that led to your injury, if you experienced intense jostling during the accident, if you blacked out during the incident and whether you experienced changes to your personality or overall functionality. If anyone witnessed your slip and fall or motor vehicle crash, his or her account of events may help your physician gather more information to offer a proper diagnosis.

Glasgow Coma Scale

Using a 15-point exam called the Glasgow Coma Scale, medical practitioners gauge the overall extent of your potential TBI. The exam involves testing how well you follow directions, speak and move your limbs and eyes. After the exam, you receive a score ranging from three to 15, with higher numbers indicating less-severe harm.

Intracranial pressure monitor

One symptom of TBIs is tissue swelling in the brain, which may further harm the major organ through increased pressure. Your doctor may use an intracranial pressure monitor probe inserted through the skull to keep track of swelling and pressure.

Do not take chances with your health or your right to fair compensation after suffering a personal injury. Work with professionals to protect your physical and financial health.