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Diagnostics

Learn about diagnostic evaluations of concussions and other brain injuries.

3D x-ray of spine/neck

Check the Neck after a Brain Injury

Whiplash and cervical strain occurs when a person’s head and neck are forced back and forth, injuring soft tissues of the neck. They are common after brain injuries.

3D illustration of person holding head in pain

Evaluating and Treating Headaches After Brain Injury

Headaches are extremely common after a traumatic brain injury, but there are various treatments that vary depending on the phenotype or cause.

Woman with eyes closed holding neck in pain

Post-Traumatic Headaches: Not Just One Type or Treatment

Headaches must be evaluated with a comprehensive history and physical examination. There are many options for treatment, but diagnosis has to be the first step.

MRI of brain

Brain Imaging after an Injury

CT and MRI scans are the most common imaging modalities to evaluate people with traumatic brain injury, but advanced imaging methods are more promising for diagnosis and prognosis. However, interpretations of findings can vary.

Young businessman with neck pain at work

Why is “Post-Concussion Syndrome” Controversial?

We do not yet have a clear understanding of what happens in the brain immediately after a concussion and over the days and months that follow, especially for those patients whose symptoms persist. Post-concussion symptom rates vary greatly among research studies, likely because the populations studied are diverse and so are the diagnostic criteria and timing of assessments. The wide variation in symptom rates highlights the fact that there is a lot we still don’t know about concussions.

Close up of child with bandage over head wound

Top Causes of Concussion in Children and Adolescents

When we think of “youth” and “concussion,” the first thing that likely comes to mind is a teenager engaging in a high-risk activity such as football, soccer, or snowboarding. But not all youth brain injury results from these risky activities. Of the millions of concussions reported by emergency rooms every year, figures put concussions related to sports and recreation at just 30% – so 70% of concussions result from other causes.

Chiropractor checking neck injury of patient

Is Concussion a Diagnosis?

Clinicians like me say that concussion requires a clinical diagnosis based on the history of what happened to produce the symptoms. However, because these same symptoms appear in other conditions, and we don’t have reliable biomarkers, diagnosing a concussion can sometimes be a challenge. The lingering effects of a mild brain injury can also continue as a chronic condition, often referred to as post-concussion syndrome or persistent post-concussion symptoms, that still require treatment.

Woman looking pensively from apartment

Mood Disorders Such as Depression Can Complicate a Brain Injury

A traumatic brain injury can be associated with depression or another mood disorder, possibly because of the disruption of brain chemicals.

Patient-Centered Approach to Concussion Care: CME & Webinar

A Patient-Centered Approach to Concussion Care: CME & Webinar

Elizabeth Sandel, MD, a physiatrist and brain injury medicine physician, and Conor Gormally, co-founder of Concussion Alliance — a young man who has experienced several concussions — present a patient-centered care approach for emergency medicine and primary care physicians.

Mother and smiling daughter in doctor's office

Will My Child Experience Long-Term Consequences from a Concussion or other Brain Injury?

Although most children recover fully after a single concussion, others have long-term effects. Of course, prevention is the best strategy, but if a concussion occurs, parents must understand a brain injury has occurred.

X-ray of child and headache

How Long Will It Take for My Child to Recover from a Concussion?

Children can experience a range of symptoms after concussion. They require individualized treatments and strategies for returning to activities and to school. A physician with training and experience in treating concussions must provide early interventions and follow-up, regardless of how long recovery takes.

Pocket Guide Featured Image

Self-Reported Concussion Symptoms are Key to Evaluation & Diagnosis

To properly diagnose a concussion and devise a treatment plan requires a thorough physician evaluation, a symptom checklist or an interview, or both, followed by a comprehensive cognitive and physical examination. Download a pocket guide that helps patients prepare for being evaluated.

Concussion in Young Children: What You Need to Know

An early childhood teacher talks with Dr. Sandel about about concussion in young children. What causes it? What do we need to look for? And how can we help during the recovery process?

Front line of football players holding football

Brain Injury Research — Still Lacking in the 21st Century

There are many unanswered research questions about concussion diagnosis, pathophysiology, risk factors, and effective treatments. About 50 are included here to emphasize the fact that we still need a lot more research in brain injury medicine for advances in diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract brain divided into pieces

What’s It Like to Have a Brain Injury?

Stories of people who experience a traumatic brain injury can help to support and educate others. Seth had a protracted recovery, but ultimately a good one. (2 parts)

Person using pencil to fill in answer on exam

What Effect Does Concussion Have on Learning?

Stories of athletes like Brittany who experience concussions or more severe brain injuries can help to educate others. She did get back on track.

Cheerleaders at practice

A Parent’s Key Role after a Child’s Concussion

Parents play a major role in identifying the effects of concussions in their daughters and sons, helping them manage symptoms, and supporting their recovery.

Two soccer players competing for ball

Be a Parent Advocate for Children and Youth Sports Concussions

Parents must communicate with the school after their son or daughter has a concussion to make sure that there are accommodations if needed during recovery.

Group of girls huddle before game

Empowering Your Kids to Speak up About Concussions in Youth Sports

There are many reasons why kids do not report concussions. They must be educated about brain injuries, including concussions. They must be empowered to report to an adult any symptoms after a blow to the head, neck, or body that causes neurological symptoms (like dizziness, headache, or confusion). Removal from the sport or activity followed by evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider should be expedited.

Girls playing volleyball

Talk to Your Kids About the Concussion Risk of Collision Sports

Children and adolescents must understand that if they have any symptoms after a blow or jolt to the head or neck they must stop immediately and get help from an adult.

health educator sits with patient

A Neuropsychologist is a Brain Injury Expert

Neuropsychologists are psychologists with training in brain functioning. They offer evaluations, education, and counseling for people with brain injuries. Health can educators help, too, because education is a key part of concussion care.

Abstract head and brain

What is ImPACT for Concussion and Who is It For?

The Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Test (ImPACT), an FDA-approved computerized tool for evaluating people with a suspected concussion, is not a stand-alone diagnostic tool. A comprehensive evaluation that includes additional cognitive testing, a physical examination, and a care plan are necessary.

Doctor holds stethoscope to football helmet

Getting Top-Notch Care after a Concussion

Concussion clinics vary in terms of protocols and personnel. Neuropsychologist Richard Delmonico discusses one model in the Kaiser Permanente health system.

Doctor taking notes from brain x-ray

Can We Adequately Treat Concussion?

Finding a physician specializing in brain injury medicine can be difficult because the field is relatively new, but there are resources to help.

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Keep up to date

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By clicking SIGN UP, you agree to receive emails from Dr. Sandel and agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.

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