How is a concussion diagnosed?

How is a concussion diagnosed?

The doctor will check for physical signs, thinking, capability, and mood symptoms and try to determine if the head trauma is a concussion, skull fracture, or something else. A CT scan or MRI might be done to check for bleeding inside the skull. However, these tests do not show the cell injuries caused by a concussion.

In addition, the following methods may be used in diagnosing a concussion:

  • Overnight observation in a hospital (for more serious cases)
  • Verbal, written, or computerized tests or checklists to determine memory, ability to pay attention and concentrate, and the ability to solve problems correctly in a reasonable amount of time