TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY AND MEDICAL IMAGING

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) occur when a blow to the head causes physical trauma to the brain. Nearly half of TBI-related hospitalization are due to falls, and TBIs can affect as many as 1.7 million people annually.

Some TBIs are relatively minor, while others can produce massive brain damage. However, it can be difficult to diagnose the severity of a TBI based solely on symptoms or the severity of the blow.

After a physical exam, medical imaging is often the next step in diagnosing a TBI.

• Computed tomography (CT) – A CT brain scan is usually the first type of medical imaging exam performed for a suspected traumatic brain injury. These exams use a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce comprehensive images of the brain. They are much more detailed than regular X-rays and are used to visualize fractures and investigate bleeding in the brain (hemorrhage), blood clots (hematomas), bruised brain tissue (contusions), and brain tissue swelling.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – An MRI brain scan uses a strong magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to provide very clear images of the brain. It may be ordered if symptoms don’t improve or to evaluate recovery.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES?

Concussion is the most common, and the most well-known, of the different types of traumatic brain injuries. However, there are many types:

• Coup-countrecoup brain injury – When significant impact causes the brain or skull to slam into the opposite side of the site of impact. The brain becomes damaged at the impact site and on the opposite side. Usually caused by violent incidents which produce immediate symptoms, these injuries often result from serious car accidents, blows to the head, forceful falls, or acts of violence.
• Concussion – Caused by a sudden blow to the head, concussion jolts your brain, causing it to accelerate in the direction of the force. It shakes your brain and can range from mild to quite severe.
• Brain contusion – A contusion is akin to a bruise, or mild bleeding in the brain. If a brain contusion enlarges and a large hematoma – a solid swelling of clotted blood within the tissues – develops, it may need to be addressed surgically.
• Diffuse axonal injury – The brain moves similar to what happens with a concussion. In this case, the head moves so violently that it causes tears in the connections of the brain.
• Second impact syndrome – Second brain injuries, when you’ve already suffered a first, can cause even more damage.

WHAT ARE THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF TBI?

It’s important to investigate all head injuries and speak to your health care provider if it’s possible you have a TBI. Depending on the severity of the injury, TBI may lead to short- or long-term health problems.

Mild TBI or concussion are not usually life-threatening, but their effects can be serious. Plus, a history of multiple or repeated mild TBIs or concussions can lead to a longer recovery and long-term difficulties, such as problems with concentration, memory, headache, and keeping your balance.

Moderate or severe TBI may require ongoing care, although the effects vary. These injuries can result in an extended period of unconsciousness (coma) or amnesia, and often include one or more of the following:

• Changes in motor skills, hearing, vision, emotions/mood, or behavior.
• Physical symptoms.
• Problems with thinking and learning.

HOW DO I GET MRI OR CT IMAGING?

To determine which imaging type is appropriate for your circumstances, a health care practitioner will review the risks and benefits associated with each type of imaging and determine whether CT or MRI will provide the most valuable information.

CT and MRI exams are both available in hospitals and covered under the Alberta and Saskatchewan Health Care Insurance Plans, but they can also be performed as private pay exams which complement the public health care system.

In Saskatchewan, Mayfair Diagnostics provides MRIs as publicly funded, community-based services under contract with the Saskatchewan Health Authority and as private pay exams. They are offered at our Saskatoon and Regina locations.

In Alberta, Mayfair provides both 1.5T and 3T MRI, as well as CT services. These private pay exams are offered at our Mayfair Place location and are not covered by Alberta Health Care.

Whether public or private, medical imaging must be requested by a health care practitioner who will provide a requisition. Mayfair Diagnostics will schedule your exam and provide you with detailed information to prepare for it. Once your exam is completed, your images will be reviewed by a specialized radiologist who will compile a report that is sent to your doctor.

Mayfair Diagnostics is owned and operated by over 50 radiologists who are sub-specialty trained, which guarantees an expert opinion of your imaging. For more information, about what happens during these exams visit our services page.

REFERENCES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024) “Traumatic Brain Injury & Concussion: Get the Facts About TBI.” www.cdc.gov. Accessed June 2, 2025. 

Mayo Clinic Staff (2021) “Traumatic brain injury.” www.mayoclinic.org. Accessed June 2, 2025. 

Spinalcord.com Team (2020) “Types of Traumatic Brain Injury.” www.spinalcord.com.  Accessed June 2, 2025.