How Doctors Diagnose Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can be among the most devastating outcomes of a car crash, fall, or workplace accident. Yet many victims walk away from the scene unaware of how serious their injury truly is.
Unlike visible wounds or fractures, brain injuries can be invisible to the naked eye—and sometimes even to imaging scans. That's why an accurate diagnosis depends on specialized testing, observation, and medical expertise.
Understanding how doctors diagnose traumatic brain injuries helps victims and families appreciate the complexity of these cases—and why insurers often underestimate them.
As Alberta personal-injury lawyers who once defended insurance companies, we know how medical evidence determines claim value. This article explains the medical process of diagnosing TBIs, the types of tests doctors use, and why early documentation is crucial for both recovery and compensation.
This guide covers:
What Counts as a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury occurs when external force damages brain tissue, causing temporary or permanent impairment of physical, cognitive, or emotional function. TBIs can result from direct impact, sudden acceleration or deceleration, or penetrating head trauma.
Common Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries:
Common Insurance Challenges in Alberta
Insurers often dispute brain-injury claims precisely because diagnosis can be complex. They may point to 'normal' scans or inconsistent symptoms to minimize liability.
Claiming Exaggerated Symptoms
Claiming that concussion symptoms are exaggerated or unrelated.
Relying on Incomplete Records
Relying on incomplete emergency-room notes to argue no injury was reported.
Misinterpreting Medical Tests
Misinterpreting medical tests to suggest 'full recovery.'
Ignoring Neuropsychological Data
Ignoring neuropsychological data showing cognitive impairment.
Delaying Diagnostic Testing
Delaying or denying coverage for diagnostic testing.
We know these tactics because we used to design them. Today, we use that insider knowledge to anticipate and counter every argument insurers make against our clients.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Suspected Brain Injury
If you've suffered a head impact or sudden jolt in a collision, don't wait for symptoms to worsen—early medical evaluation is essential.
Seek Emergency Care Immediately
Loss of consciousness, confusion, or vomiting requires urgent assessment.
Document Every Symptom
Headache, fatigue, blurred vision, or irritability may appear hours or days later.
Follow Up with Your Doctor
Request referrals to neurologists, psychologists, or rehabilitation specialists.
Avoid Self-Diagnosing
Even mild head injuries can have lasting effects.
Consult an Alberta Brain-Injury Lawyer Early
They can ensure your medical documentation supports future claims.
How a Lawyer Uses Medical Evidence to Build Your Case
Proving a brain injury in Alberta requires translating complex medical data into a clear, persuasive legal claim.
Coordinating Specialists
We ensure neurologists, neuropsychologists, and occupational therapists are involved early.
Gathering Complete Records
Hospital notes, imaging, and cognitive-testing results form the backbone of your case.
Obtaining Expert Opinions
We work with independent experts to confirm causation and quantify impairment.
Linking Symptoms to Lost Function
We connect medical evidence to real-life consequences—missed work, memory lapses, and reduced independence.
Preparing for Trial
Our experience defending insurers means we know how to dismantle their medical arguments before they use them.
Case Example
A Red Deer client suffered a 'mild' TBI after a rear-end collision. The insurer relied on a normal CT scan to deny coverage. After securing a neuropsychological assessment showing severe memory deficits, we obtained a **$600,000 settlement**, including future care and income loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Diagnosing a traumatic brain injury requires specialized medical expertise and comprehensive testing. While insurers may dispute these claims, Alberta law recognizes the serious nature of brain injuries and excludes them from the minor-injury cap.
TBIs can be invisible to standard imaging but still cause significant impairment.
Early medical evaluation and documentation are crucial for both recovery and legal claims.
Neuropsychological testing provides objective proof of cognitive deficits.
Alberta law protects brain injury victims with no cap on compensation.
Legal representation ensures medical evidence is properly presented and insurers are held accountable.
Worried about an undiagnosed brain injury?
Call or text us — no fee unless we win.