At Healthier Minds, we have many types of Concussion and TBI tests that our healthcare providers use to help diagnose Concussion and TBI. This usually includes questionnaires that you fill out and tests of mental and physical abilities. Some tests have special versions for children. All Concussion and TBI tests have scoring systems that help show how much an injury has affected the brain.
What are Concussion and TBI Testing?
Concussion and TBI Testing can help find out if an adult or child has had a Concussion and TBI after a head injury. A concussion is also called a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).
A Concussion and TBI Testing happens when sudden movement causes the brain to bounce around or twist inside the skull. It can be caused by a bump or blow to the head. It may also happen if a hit to the body causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This jolting movement can create chemical changes in the brain. And it can stretch and damage brain cells.
Even though a Concussion and TBI Testing is a “mild” brain injury, it can seriously affect the brain. Most people don’t lose consciousness when they have a Concussion and TBI Testing. But some signs and symptoms usually show up right away after the injury and others may appear hours or days later. Symptoms are different for each person, but often include headaches, problems with memory, and changes in how a person thinks, acts, feels, and sleeps.
A Concussion and TBI Testing will not show up on imaging tests that take pictures of the brain. So, these tests usually aren’t needed to diagnose a Concussion and TBI Testing. But a CT or MRI scan of the brain may be done if there are signs of a more serious brain injury, such as bleeding in the brain.
Why do I need Concussion and TBI Testing?
You may need Concussion and TBI Testing if you have had a head injury or a blow to the body that jolts your head. Testing may be necessary even if you think the injury isn’t serious. That’s because it’s possible to have a Concussion and TBI Testing and not even know it.
Concussion and TBI symptoms usually show up soon after a head injury. But sometimes, they don’t show up for hours or days. So, it’s important to keep watching for signs and symptoms of a Concussion and TBI for a day or two after a head injury. Signs and symptoms of a Concussion and TBI include:
Answer questions about the injury, such as:
- How the head injury happened
- Whether the injured person was unconscious and for how long
- Signs and symptoms after the injury
Take a test, often on a computer, to check for problems with:
- Learning
- Memory
- Thinking and reasoning
- Ability to pay attention
Have a physical exam that checks for problems with:
- Vision and eye movement
- Hearing
- Balance
- Coordination
- Reflexes
In certain cases, Healthier Minds providers may order a blood test to help decide if a brain scan is needed to check for a more serious injury. The test checks a blood sample for certain proteins that may show up in the bloodstream after a mild Concussion and TBI Testing.
Will I need to do anything to prepare for a Concussion and TBI Testing?
You don’t need any special preparations for Concussion and TBI Testing.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) TBI Statistics
- 1.5-2 million people a year sustain brain injury from motor vehicle and motorgycle accidents, falls, sport injuries, and acts of violence
- 500,000 severe enough to require hospitalization
- 50,000 die from complications of head injury
- 5.3 million are living with head injury related disability
- Most common among males 15-24 and people older than t5
Informative Video on Concussion and TBI Testing. What they are and what to do.
How Our Process Works
STEP 1
Neurobehavioral Assessment / Screening
The patient meets with one of our Licensed clinical provider. A referral is made to a TBI specialist if a TBI is suspected.
STEP 2
Concussion and TBI Test
Healthier Minds uses an FDA-approved Concussion and TBI Test, the gold standard for assessing TBIs.
STEP 3
Clinical Telehealth with a Brain Injury Doctor
The patient meets with a board-certified neurologist or neuropsychologist. Using the quantitative test results and behavioral observations gathered, the doctor conducts a thorough virtual clinical interview.
STEP 4
Report Generation
Utilizing all findings from both parts of the evaluation, a full diagnostic report is generated outlining diagnoses, impairment levels, and recommendations for further care and evaluation.
STEP 5
Results Delivered in 72 Hours
Your Concussion and TBI results are typically delivered in less than 72 hours so the provider can consult and treat the patient.
