Frequently Asked Questions

​Are imaging tests like CT or MRI needed?

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CT scans and MRIs are not routinely needed for diagnosing a concussion. These imaging tests are used when there is concern for more serious injury, such as brain bleeding, skull fracture, or swelling. Warning signs include worsening headache, repeated vomiting, seizures, or significant confusion.

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Most concussions involve functional changes at the cellular level that do not appear on standard imaging. A normal scan does not mean symptoms are imagined or insignificant—it simply means there is no visible structural damage.

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Imaging decisions are based on clinical guidelines and individual risk factors. Avoiding unnecessary scans reduces exposure to radiation and focuses care on symptom-based recovery.