​Can concussion be detected on routine imaging?

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Most concussions do not appear on routine CT or MRI scans. This is because concussions typically involve microscopic or metabolic changes rather than large-scale structural damage.

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Advanced imaging techniques used in research settings may detect subtle changes, but they are not commonly used in clinical practice. As a result, diagnosis depends more on symptoms and functional testing than imaging findings.

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A normal scan can be reassuring, but it does not rule out concussion. Symptoms should always guide treatment and activity decisions, regardless of imaging results.