The Head Injury Center Services

Neurology Services for Traumatic Brain Injury

The Head Injury Center in Dallas combines the latest advancements in technology with a warm, personalized approach. Our top priority is providing world-class care through the use of the latest imaging equipment and the support of our skilled staff.

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is brain dysfunction caused by an outside force. A blow to the head is the most common cause, often due to a fall, auto accident, or sports injury. TBI requires a professional evaluation and diagnosis and ranges in severity from mild to moderate to severe.

According to the CDC (2006-2014):

  • TBI-related emergency department visits rose by 53% from 2006-2014
  • 155 people died each day from injuries that included a TBI
  • There were about 2.87 million TBI-related hospitalizations, deaths, and emergency department visits
  • 81% of TBI-related emergency department visits in adults 65+ were caused by falls

Traumatic Brain Injury Tests

Assessing Your Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury specialists use various imaging tests and “neuro-checks” to help establish a correct diagnosis. When combined, these methods help to tell the full story of your injury.

Neuro-checks generally consist of a series of simple questions and tasks that help medical professionals determine how well your body and brain function after your injury.

Imaging tests include:

Computerized Tomography (CT): Also known as a CAT scan, this imaging test takes X-rays from many different angles to give doctors a complete picture of your brain. A CT can reveal bruising, bleeding, and other damage.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI produces images that are more detailed than a CT scan. Using radio waves and magnets, an MRI takes considerably longer than a CT and is not usually used in an initial TBI assessment.

Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI): Often considered superior to MRI and CT imaging, DTI allows direct in vivo examination of white matter tracts and the brain microstructure. This method can detect minor or moderate TBI not seen by other imaging tests.

What to Expect During Your Visit

If you’ve experienced a head injury, you should seek professional medical help immediately. The first step on your road to recovery is a medical exam to determine whether you have TBI. Assessment typically includes a neurological exam that evaluates reflexes, coordination, eye movement, sensory function, motor function, and thinking.

CT scans, MRI scans, and DTI detect bleeding, bruising, and other damage to the brain. In addition, these tests measure the extent and severity of the damage incurred by TBI. A traumatic brain injury specialist may interview you and your family members and review hospital records to develop better insight into your condition.

These tests and interviews help evaluate:

  • Psychological adjustment
  • Memory
  • Orientation
  • Attention span
  • New learning
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Sensory awareness
  • Problem-solving
  • Motor abilities
  • Social judgment

A Correct Diagnosis for Relief and Recovery

There are various treatment plans available for mild, moderate, and severe TBI. Your treatment will depend on the results of your professional assessment and diagnosis. The dedicated staff at the Head Injury Center are committed to providing the highest level of expert care to get you started on the road to healing.

Whether you’ve experienced a workplace accident, a car crash, a serious fall, or a sports injury, our Dallas TBI specialists can help. Promptly seeking a professional opinion is critical to avoid further damage and accelerate your relief and recovery.

TBI Treatment

Traumatic Brain Injury FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Common Traumatic Brain Injury Questions

Yes. TBI may be detectable many years after the original injury.

TBI symptoms usually improve but can get worse over time. Worsening TBI symptoms can severely affect a person’s quality of life. In addition to pain and suffering, TBI can also be a risk factor for diseases of the nervous system and psychiatric problems.

Common tests to detect TBI include imaging tests such as CT scans and MRI scans, and neurological exams.

An untreated concussion can lead to serious long-term issues. Concussion-related complications include vertigo, mood swings, brain fog, chronic headaches, dizziness, and more.

Falls are currently the leading cause of TBI. In 2014, falls accounted for almost half of TBI-related emergency room visits in the U.S. (48%).