Common Medical Tests for Brain Injury

There are several tests to learn about brain injury and its effects

The types of tests used by medical professionals may vary depending on the cause of a brain injury and whether the person is unconscious. Below are some examples of common medical tests. Medical professionals may use other tests that are not included on this page.

Imaging and brain scans

These tests take “pictures” of the brain and skull to look for physical damage.

Angiogram: An angiogram uses X-rays and contrast dye to help medical professionals see a person’s blood vessels and detect problems like blockages, aneurysms, or problems with blood flow.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computerized Tomography (CT): MRIs and CTs play important roles in identifying bleeding and swelling in the brain. MRIs and CT scans are not commonly used for the routine diagnosis of concussion, as the chemical changes in the brain are not visible using these tools.

Skull X-rays: Imaging using skull x-rays can show damage to the skull (such as a skull fracture) and other bones, and help medical professionals determine if there are pieces of bone or foreign objects in the brain.

Physical and bedside assessments

Medical professionals observe people’s reactions and movements.

Coma Recovery Scale (CRS): The CRS is used to assess the level of consciousness among people with disorders of consciousness. It examines sight, hearing, body movement, mouth movement, communication, and wakefulness.

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS): GCS measures a person’s ability to respond to simple commands, including their ability to move, open their eyes, and answer questions. GCS scores range from a low of 3 to a high of 15. When a GCS test is administered by a medical professional, a person may experience arm and leg spasms, but this is not harmful. A person’s initial GCS score may not be linked to their overall health outcomes after a brain injury.

National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS): NIHSS measures consciousness, vision, sensation, movement, speech, and language. The score ranges from a low of 0 to a high of 42.

Specialized brain monitoring

Medical professionals use technology to track the brain’s internal activity and pressure.

Electroencephalogram (EEG): EEG measures the brain’s electrical activity. It may be used to help evaluate the severity of a brain injury and monitor recovery, as well as to assess neurological conditions like seizures and patients who experience a change or loss of consciousness.

Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitor: An ICP monitor is used to measure the pressure in the brain to determine whether swelling is going down on its own or if other treatments are needed.

Functional and cognitive testing

Tests that measure “how the brain is working” regarding memory and coordination.

Balance assessment: There are different types of balance assessments. These assessments check how well you can stay steady while sitting, standing, or moving.

Neuropsychological or neurocognitive tests: Medical professionals may use neuropsychological or neurocognitive tests to assess reaction time, memory skills, and the ability to pay attention.

Tests for post-traumatic amnesia (PTA): Tests for PTA are used to determine a person’s ability to recall events before and after a brain injury. Examples may include the Galveston Orientation and Amnesia Test (GOAT), the Westmead PTA Scale (WPTAS), and the Orientation Log (O-Log).

Visio-vestibular exam (VVE): Medical professionals use to check how well a person’s viprofessionalsance systems are working together, especially if they are having symptoms like dizziness, trouble focusing, or feeling off balance.

Compassionate answers. Real support. Every step of the way.

Contact the National Brain Injury Information Center at 1-800-444-6443 to speak to a specialist about:

• Help with care needs
• Legal and financial resources
• Services in your community