Due to the variable symptoms of a traumatic brain injury, it can be hard to assess whether you have a TBI or a different diagnosis. Physicians diagnose TBI through several different tests. TryMunity wants our members to understand the full scope of TBI testing out how those results can be interpreted. Here are a few of the most common ways that physicians diagnose TBI.
Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
By far one of the most common ways to diagnose TBI is through the Glasgow Coma Scale. This assesses the patient’s ability to speak, open eyes, and move. A medical professional will rate the person’s responses with a score. A score of 13 or higher indicates a mild TBI. A score 9 -12 indicates a moderate TBI. A score of below eight indicates a severe TBI. Whether a GCS score determines a person’s short or long-term recovery, is unknown.
Factors Determining TBI
There are several factors that determine whether a person has a traumatic brain injury. The doctors well look at several symptoms in order to make a correct diagnosis. These factors include:
- How long the person was unconscious
- Memory loss
- GCS score
- Speech and language tests
- Numerological symptoms
- Imaging tests
All of these factors together with Data collected from the patient, well give the positions a clear answer on the severity of the TBI.
Ask Questions
TBI testing can be complex and complicated. It is important that if you have any questions relating to the diagnosis of a traumatic brain injury, that you discuss your questions or concerns with your physician. Joining an online group that is I know you’re with TBI can also be helpful.
If you suspect that you or a loved one has a TBI, join the TryMunity community today. We can assist you in providing the information and resources necessary for recovery.
