ONLY A DOCTOR CAN ACCURATELY DIAGNOSE A CONCUSSION
A concussion is a serious brain injury that requires immediate treatment by a qualified medical professional. If you attempt to diagnose and treat your condition without medical help, additional damage could occur that complicates your recovery.
A doctor can quickly and accurately diagnose a concussion to insure that you receive the proper treatment at the right time. Here are the steps most doctors take if they suspect a concussion:
- Neurological exam. This typically includes checking your reflexes, coordination, balance, hearing, vision, sensation and strength.
- Cognitive testing. These tests are meant to evaluate your thinking processes and focus on your ability to concentrate, your memory and your ability to recall past information from your past.
- Imaging tests. While neurological exams and cognitive testing are important, your doctor will use imaging tests to get a clear view of your brain. These tests typically include a CT scan and MRI.
If your doctor diagnoses you with a concussion, they may want to keep you at the hospital overnight for observation. This provides the opportunity to track your symptom to insure that they don’t worsen. Also, your medical team will awaken you periodically to check on you.
A concussion can result from many types of accidents, ranging from a car crash to a slip and fall. If you suffer any type of brain injury, don’t wait to seek treatment. You need to begin the appropriate treatment as soon as possible. As you recover, learn more about your legal rights and focus on anything you can do to hold the at-fault party responsible for your injury.
