Traumatic brain injury Diagnostic study of choice

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Joanna Ekabua, M.D. [2] Deekshitha Manney, M.D.[[3]]

Overview

Cross-sectional imaging of the brain, via either a CT scan or an MRI scan, is the diagnostic test of choice for TBI. Neuroimaging is essential for the initial diagnosis and follow-up of TBI. A non-contrast CT scan is simple, rapid and most of the time will help make a decision about patients who would need emergent surgery.

Diagnostic Study of Choice

The diagnostic study of choice depends on the severity of the symptoms and the setting. A lot of mild TBIs doesn't need any diagnostic study. However, for any TBI with symptoms CT scan without contrast is the initial study of choice. MRI is the most sensitive neuroimaging study compared to CT scan, but the fact that it is expensive, time consuming and the urgency of the situation makes it a second line test in acute setting.