A CT scan is often the first test doctors order after a head injury. However, a normal result does not always tell the full story. Many traumatic brain injuries go undetected on CT scans, leaving accident victims completely unaware of a serious condition.
How does a CT scan work?
A CT scan uses X-ray technology to create detailed images of the brain. Doctors rely on it to detect bleeding, swelling or skull fractures. It is fast and readily available in emergency rooms across Delaware. For identifying serious structural damage, it is highly effective. However, some injuries are not immediately visible at the time of the scan.
Can a CT scan miss a traumatic brain injury?
A CT scan frequently misses mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions. It also fails to detect diffuse axonal injuries, which occur when nerve fibers stretch and tear throughout the brain. These injuries affect brain function rather than visible brain structure. Since CT scans only reveal structural damage, a scan can appear completely normal while a serious injury still exists.
What symptoms can appear after a normal scan?
Even after receiving a clear CT scan result, certain symptoms still signal a TBI. These include the following:
- Persistent headaches
- Memory loss
- Mood changes
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Disrupted sleep
Many of these symptoms develop hours or even days after an accident. An MRI or a full neurological evaluation can often detect what a CT scan cannot.
How does Delaware treat TBI claims?
Delaware law allows injured individuals to seek compensation when another party’s negligence causes harm. Victims generally have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury claim. A delayed TBI diagnosis does not necessarily eliminate your right to pursue a case. Delaware courts also apply comparative fault rules that consider each party’s degree of responsibility.
Why does a missed TBI matter in a legal case?
Insurance companies often use a normal CT scan to dispute injury claims. Their argument is simple: a clear scan means no injury occurred. However, this reasoning is not accurate. Thorough medical records, symptom documentation and specialist evaluations can effectively help counter this argument.
When symptoms continue after a normal CT scan
Getting a clear scan does not always mean the brain escaped injury. Symptoms that linger after an accident deserve serious medical attention. Paying attention to ongoing symptoms can help you understand the full impact of an injury after an accident.