Imaging techniques for concussion
Concussions are invisible
There aren't any imaging techniques available for diagnosing concussions just yet. It is important to know that traditional CT scans or MRIs do not aid in the diagnosis of concussions, however they are very beneficial in ruling out more serious problems. These imaging tools are very useful in helping to determine if there has been a skull fracture or a hematoma (brain bleed), and should be used sparingly. Not every athlete who suffers a concussion needs imaging. A concussion is a metabolic imbalance that does not show up on a CT scan or an MRI. A negative result on either of these tests does not mean an injury did not occur.
CT scans
CT scans are very useful for diagnosing hematomas (brain bleeds) and skull fractures. They do not aid in the diagnosis of concussions. Not all athletes who suffer concussions require a CT scan, and care must be given not to add radiation to a young person's lifetime accumulation unnecessarily.
MRI
MRIs give medical professionals a finer image of the brain, but do not aid in the diagnosis of concussion. They are very useful in the diagnosis of hematomas and skull fractures. MRIs use magnets, not radiation to create the images.
Advanced imaging
Research continues on the following imaging methods, and others, as they apply to concussions:
DTI (diffusion tensor imaging)
fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging)
PET (positron emissions tomography)
SPECT (Single-photon emission computed tomography)
Brain Health
Children and young adults scanned multiple times by computed tomography (CT), a commonly used diagnostic tool, have a small increased risk of leukemia and brain tumors in the decade following their ...
read more...-
Why concussions affect people differently
Bronx, NY — Patients vary widely in their response to concussion, but scientists haven’t unde...
-
Teens miss recovery clues after concussion
PITTSBURGH — When recovering from concussion, young athletes rely too much on how they f...
-
Discovering the roots of migraine
Common questions encountered during the post-concussion exam are often migraine-related. Do you...
Neuroscience
NFL Hall of Famer "Iron Mike" Webster's life ended in 2002 when he suffered a heart attack at age 50. Four Super Bowl rings, nine Pro Bowls, and voted to the NFL's all-time team in 2000, the driven, ...
read more...-
Progesterone seems to protect neurons after injury
It is not yet known why girls suffer concussions at a higher rate than boys. The most prevalent...
-
911 signal relay sends help to brain injury
Like emergency workers rushing to a disaster scene, cells called microglia spe...
-
GPS for the brain; the "connectome"
Athens, Ga.- University of Georgia researchers have developed a map of the human brain that shows...
Resources
- School professionals play an important role in the health of all students. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of concussion is important, as is managing their return to school post-injury.
- Some ...
- https://
- CDC's Concussion Training for Clinicians
-
Concussion Education Video Programs - ...
Parents, athletes, coaches and medical professionals have access to concussion education created...
-
New concussion guidelines for team ...
INDIANAPOLIS – Team physicians who assess and treat athletes suspected of concussion have new ...
The risk of concussions in young football players
Marjorie Albohm President, National Athletic Trainers' Association
quick links
Latest News
Concussions Occur...
...in Any Sport
REMOVE athlete from play
REFER to medical provider
REST no sports, no texting/TV
RETURN only with doctor's OK
Source: Children's Hospital Boston, Sports Concussion Clinic