Diagnosing TBI
Concussion Diagnosis in Ft. Lauderdale & Tampa, Florida
Any time trauma to the head occurs, a medical examination should be performed by a neurologist to look for symptoms of a concussion or mild TBI. Symptoms of a more severe brain injury are immediate and obvious, but there are numerous subtle or delayed signs of mild brain injuries that go undetected for a period of time including problems sleeping, feelings of depression, and fatigue.
Since many concussion symptoms are undetectable with MRI or CT scans, Radius TBI offers a wide range of in-depth diagnostic tools used in diagnosing mild TBI. Our Ft. Lauderdale neurologists begin with a comprehensive neurological exam. After reviewing your medical history, we will evaluate the severity of each symptom you have experienced. Symptoms can include mood changes or changes in social interactions.
The neurological exam also includes a neuropsychological assessment. Our neuropsychologists will conduct a comprehensive interview to gain a better understanding of emotional and cognitive changes that have occurred. A neuropsychologist assesses memory function, intellect, emotional status, executive functioning (higher cognitive abilities), attention and focus ability, and visual, perceptual, or constructional ability.
During the interview, the brain injury specialist takes an in-depth look at health history. This can include pre-existing learning disabilities and psychological conditions, to determine the extent of the injury before making treatment recommendations.
We then perform a physical exam to assess motor function, reflexes, muscle tone, balance control, sensory function, cognitive abilities, and nervous system involvement. Depending on the results, we may perform diagnostic and/or clinical testing to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
Diagnostic Testing in Diagnosing Mild TBI May Include:
A quantitative EEG (qEEG) measures brainwaves and converts them into color maps to determine brain function. This innovative tool allows for treatments to be customized based on areas of the brain that are affected.
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a revolutionary new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique to diagnose microstructural neurological changes or abnormalities in the white matter of the brain.
Electronystagmogram (ENG) and videonystagmography (VNG) are vestibular assessment tools to test inner ear and central motor functions. They are used to determine the cause of vertigo, loss of balance, and dizziness after a brain injury. ENGs measure eye movement and eye muscle control to determine how your eyes, inner ears, and brain are working in relation to one another.
