How is tbi assessed

Some of these tests are described in the following sections. These image tests can include:. Blood tests to diagnose TBI are an emerging area of research. The test can help identify individuals whose injury is unlikely to show up on a CT scan, eliminating the need for an unhelpful test. The blood test may also provide a way to quickly diagnose military personnel for a mild concussion. Researchers at the National Institute of Nursing Research and NICHD found that testing for the blood protein tau could help identify athletes who need more recovery time before they can safely return to play after a sports-related concussion.

Please note: This website does not include all tests that may be used to diagnose TBI. Imaging Tests. I Have a Brain Injury Change.

I Am a Professional Change. I Am a Caregiver Change. Brain Injury Overview Next. Understanding the Injury Next. After the Injury Next. Injury Severity Next. Other Assessments Next. Assessments in Rehab Next. Assessments in Community-Based Care Next. Neuropsychological Assessments Next. Neuroimaging Next. Treatment Next Hospital Next. Rehabilitation Next. Community-Based Treatment Next. But tests from these FDA-regulated medical devices can help health care providers rule out some of the more serious brain injuries.

In particular, these scans can detect bleeding that resulted from the traumatic injury which requires immediate medical or surgical attention. None of the medical devices cleared or approved by FDA are intended to be used alone without the judgment of a health care provider trained to diagnose and treat TBI.

The FDA has not cleared or approved any medical products that are intended to diagnose or treat TBI alone without other diagnostic tests or treatments managed by a health care provider. An incorrect diagnosis may lead to:. If you have a head injury, seek medical attention right away. The FDA has not approved any devices that can assess or diagnose a traumatic brain injury without an evaluation by a health care provider.

The FDA continues to work with the research and clinical community to develop better-designed clinical studies so new medical products can be developed.

And the FDA continues to review and evaluate medical devices for safety and effectiveness. More sensitive and objective ways to diagnose and detect mild TBI are needed.

Timely diagnosis is important to prevent repetitive injury and to help develop new therapies. And, in some cases, repetitive injury can be fatal or cause dementia later in life.

The scientists are studying TBI blood tests, special brain imaging, eye movements, and brain wave patterns. They are also investigating using portable imaging devices to detect mild TBI.