The Top Five Concussion Tests Explained

Immediately after a concussion, it is important to undergo a series of concussion tests to assist you in identifying the extent of brain damage. Problems after a concussion vary from individual to individual. For a lot of folks, the signs and symptoms will resolve within just a couple of days. For other people, concussion signs and symptoms may linger for weeks, months and potentially years until they fully resolve. In 2011, there are many sophisticated concussion tests which an individual might possibly undergo to help understand what damage has occurred.

Neurological Exam

A neurological exam or evaluation takes place in the Emergency Room. Physicians or nurses will do several small tests to look at your physical and cognitive status. For example, they may have you walk, touch your finger to the nose, count backwards and also answer some simple calculations.

A standard neurological evaluation is given to many people with different issues. While it's usually a standard check of your current skills, it may not sensitive enough to locate subtle concussion signs and symptoms. If you find that you pass this test but have trouble throughout the coming days or weeks, speak to the physician and request additional concussion test options.

CT Scan

CT scans or "cat" scans are usually given in a hospital or clinic. In order to understand what is happening inside of your brain, a special dye will be injected into your blood stream, usually through your arm. Some people report a small burning sensation that passes quickly.

After the dye is in your system, a nurse or a tech will set you up in the scanner. They are looking to see how the blood travels and where it goes to. They will then use that information to discover if there's any damage. The test only lasts for about fifteen minutes. When the scan is complete a medical professional (such as a radiologist) will examine the final results.

Generally, mild concussions aren't apparent on CT scan. While one may be tempted to think that if a concussion cannot be seen it did not occur, many people with negative CT scans still complain that they are continuing to have signs and symptoms of their concussion.

MRI Scan

MRI scans are done at either hospitals or specialty clinics that house an MRI machine. Similarly to the CT scan, dye is injected into your blood stream. This time, you will be placed into a long chamber while the machine takes a Magnetic Resonance Image (MRI) of your brain. It is often reported that MRI chambers are noisy and can cause claustrophobia.

MRI scans are very sensitive and allow doctors to truly see the extent of your concussion. If there are any changes to the brain, they'll appear for your physician to find out. Once the physician sees changes for the brain, they will be able to discuss concussion treatment options together with you.

Neuropsychological Test

A neuropsychologist specializes assessing a person's mental skills and capacities. They are often found working in hospitals, clinics or private practices. A neuropsychological evaluation is an extensive battery of tests that can last for up to 8 hours. They are looking to see exactly how well you're functioning both cognitively and psychologically. He or she will evaluate your performance, review your results and give suggestions concerning how to increase your present cognitive status. They will also look at what your performance means in the context of your academic, vocational and personal life.

Neuropsychologists are trained to find subtle problems in cognitive function. For example, they may uncover a deficit in attention, processing or dealing with multi-tasking situations. Neuropsychologists are often part of a medical or legal team as the results of the testing might have an impact on the person's ability to return to their prior life.

ImPACT Concussion Testing

ImPACT testing is a specific concussion test given mostly to athletes. Trained administrators often give this test at the beginning of the sports season and then give the test again if the person sustains a concussion. If you've taken the ImPACT test before your concussion, you'll be capable of measuring your current abilities against a baseline. A 20 minute computer-based test will ask you about concussion signs and symptoms while looking at your memory, attention and speed of processing. Make an attempt to have this test before you've experienced a concussion- especially if you're an athlete.

ImPACT testing keeps records of each and every performance. It will compare you to yourself and additionally against people of your own age. If you've withstood a concussion, the ImPACT test will help you know once your concussion signs and symptoms have resolved enough to start playing sports again.

To summarize, obtaining the proper concussion test is extremely crucial to both identify the concussion and then to help plan the proper concussion treatment when needed.

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/6281159

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