Searchline. Let us do the hunting whatever expert you need. Please call our free SearchLine today on 0161 834 0017

Journal Detail back to listing

xmas
Role of MRI or CT Scan in Sports Head Injury
  • Dec 13, 2024
  • Latest Journal

by Nader Khandanpour - Consultant Neuroradiologist

A recent research found that sports and related activities contribute to 21% of all traumatic brain injuries sustained by adults in the USA. One way to ensure quick patient recovery is through fast and accurate diagnosis so that appropriate treatment can be  provided.

When it comes to head injuries sustained due to sporting activities, there are advanced technologies that doctors can rely upon – CT and MRI. CT uses radiation to generate cross sectional images while MRI uses radio waves and a magnetic field to provide detailed images.

The first line of defence in such a case is the CT scan. A CT scan is the immediate option at hand to determine whether there has been any bleeding in the skull or brain. It can also help doctors to rule out a fracture in the skull or a serious brain injury.

An MRI scan on the other hand is the next step. It is a much more detailed evaluation of the brain. It evaluates the brain tissue and nerve cells. A doctor will order an MRI when they aim to look for bruising, injury or disruption in the brain tissue and nerve cells. It may evaluate the cerebral blood flow and volume; and even show the location of the cerebral oedema.

Usually a CT scan will be done first when a patient is brought in with a head injury; and, if it is not able to provide enough diagnostic evidence then an MRI will be ordered.

Role of MRI in Headache Evaluation
Headaches are one of the most common healthcare problems and are one of the leading causes for outpatient visits. WHO estimates that three quarters of adults aged 18 – 65 years suffer from headache each year and about 30% reportedly have a migraine episode.

While there are multiple treatment options for headaches, the biggest pain point for doctors is the diagnosis. Doctors often use patient’s medical history and symptoms to diagnose a headache; however, now more than ever, they are utilizing advanced tech like MRI in headache evaluation when they professionally think it might help.

Unlike a CT scan, MRI does not use radiation. MRI technology has been built to use radio waves along with a strong magnetic field to provide clear, detailed images.

When other tests and diagnostics are not able to provide a concrete answer, doctors rely heavily on an MRI scan because it is able to generate a relatively detailed image of the brain. It is able to show areas that cannot be seen with any other imaging technology. It allows doctors to look at the very structure of the brain and identify or rule out certain but not all causes of headaches such as tumours, infections, bleeds or clots.
It can reliably highlight the irregular areas in the brain. This enables doctors to gain more evidence to reach a diagnosis and may help them provide treatment accordingly.