When it comes to head injuries, there are several degrees of severity. No matter how much it affects you at first, it’s important to get timely medical help.
Wondering how a head injury gets diagnosed and how to treat it? Here’s a quick guide.
Why is a head injury diagnosis important?
If somebody has a head injury from an incident such as a fall, sporting activity or road traffic accident, it can sometimes result in a brain injury. This is something that needs to be seen by a medical professional as soon as possible, to mitigate risk.
It’s also a good idea to get it checked out quickly in case you might want to make a brain injury claim against another party who caused it. A successful claim might help you secure vital finances to compensate you for medical expenses and lost earnings.
Mild head injuries
The symptoms of a mild head injury include but are not limited to:
- A swelling or bruise
- Confusion
- Light-headedness
- Problems with balance
- Increased sensitivity to noise or light
A doctor can best advise whether a mild head injury is something that needs further attention or not. It’s always wise to play it safe.
Moderate and severe head injuries
The symptoms of a moderate head injury may include some of the issues above. There are others that a person may experience too, including but not limited to:
- Slurred speech
- Loss of consciousness
- Trouble using short-term memory to remember recent events, like what happened just before the incident
- Sweating
- Loss of consciousness
- An open wound
- Seizures
If you are present when someone else has a head injury, you should call 999 if you see any symptoms that indicate it could be moderate or severe. While waiting for help to arrive, apply some first aid to the person’s head.
How are head injuries diagnosed?
Once you get medical attention for the head injury, it is likely that they will be assessed to see if it has had any effect on the brain.
Blood tests and X-rays are commonly the next step. If the doctors want to get a more detailed picture, they may refer you for morphology scans. This is a diagnostic imaging method that combines X-rays with computer technology.
Doctors may also see fit to refer you for an EEG, a procedure that records the continuous electrical activity of the brain.
Another diagnostic method that may be recommended is an MRI scan. This is another way to get a closer look at what’s going on. This type of scan combines the use of a computer, magnets and radiofrequencies to get a very detailed view of the brain. It is a simple procedure and may take 15-90 minutes. It’s pain-free, although if you have concerns about claustrophobia you can ask for a sedative to help you relax.
The most important thing is that you don’t struggle alone with a head injury. If you have any suspicion that you need medical attention, you should probably listen to your instinct. It’s important that you get any help you need on time and even if it turns out to be relatively mild, at least you will have secured some peace of mind.
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