Experiencing a car wreck is traumatic, and worrying that your doctor isn’t taking potential injuries seriously, especially head injuries, is understandable. You might be wondering about the need for a Cat Scan, also known as a CT scan. It’s common to feel anxious after a blow to the head, but thankfully, many head injuries from car accidents are not severe. Often, these injuries result in mild concussions without serious complications like bleeding in the brain or skull fractures. After a head injury, a doctor might consider a CT scan, which uses multiple X-rays to create a detailed 3D image of the brain. However, for minor head injuries, particularly in children, a CT scan might not always be necessary. Let’s explore why.
Why CT Scans Are Often Unnecessary for Minor Head Injuries
It’s important to know that roughly half of children who visit emergency rooms due to head injuries receive CT scans. However, research indicates that about one-third of these CT scans are actually unnecessary. Before ordering a CT scan, a healthcare professional should thoroughly assess the patient, inquiring about the details of the injury and the symptoms experienced. If a doctor suspects a mild concussion, a CT scan is often unlikely to provide helpful information because the results frequently come back as normal. CT scans are more valuable in diagnosing different types of injuries, such as skull fractures or bleeding within the brain. It’s crucial to remember that a concussion itself is not caused by brain bleeding.
The Risks Associated with CT Scans
CT scans utilize radiation, and exposure to radiation carries a potential risk of cancer development. Children, and especially infants, are at a higher risk due to their brains still being in a developmental phase. Furthermore, undergoing unnecessary CT scans can sometimes lead to further, potentially invasive tests and treatments, each carrying its own set of risks.
The Cost Factor of CT Scans
Brain CT scans can be quite expensive, with costs ranging from $500 to $900, and these costs can vary significantly. It’s perfectly reasonable to ask your doctor if a CT scan is truly necessary before incurring this expense, especially if you have concerns about its medical necessity.
When Should You Seek Medical Attention?
It’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention if, following a car accident or any head injury, your child experiences any of the following: loss of consciousness, a persistent headache that doesn’t subside, dizziness, confusion, or nausea. These symptoms can manifest hours or even days after the initial injury.
When is a CT Scan of the Brain Necessary?
A doctor should order a CT scan if there’s a genuine concern about the possibility of a skull fracture or bleeding in the brain. To determine this need, the doctor should ask detailed questions about the accident itself and carefully evaluate the symptoms present. A physical examination is also vital to check for signs of skull fracture, such as bruising around the eyes (black eyes) or any bleeding from the head.
Accidents with Higher Risk of Serious Head Injuries
Certain types of accidents are more prone to causing serious head injuries. These include:
- Motor vehicle accidents (car wrecks)
- Falls from a height of three feet or more
- Falls down five or more stairs
- Falling off a bicycle without wearing a helmet
Symptoms That May Indicate a Serious Head Injury
Be particularly vigilant for these symptoms, as they could signal a more serious head injury requiring a CT scan:
- Loss of consciousness at any point
- Tingling or weakness on one side of the body
- Persistent dizziness or balance problems
- Loss of vision or hearing
- Headaches that progressively worsen
- Excessive sleepiness or unusual irritability
What to Expect If a CT Scan Is Recommended
If a CT scan is deemed necessary, here’s what you should anticipate:
- The CT scan should be performed promptly as the child might require immediate treatment based on the results.
- The medical team will ensure the lowest possible dose of radiation is used during the scan.
- The scan will typically focus only on the head, unless there’s a suspicion of injury to the neck or spine as well.
- Repeated CT scans will be avoided unless absolutely medically necessary.
Understanding when a CT scan is truly needed after a car wreck or head injury can help you feel more informed and confident in the medical decisions made for yourself or your child. If you ever feel your concerns are being dismissed, don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek clarification from your healthcare provider.
