Can An MRI Scan Show A Negative TBI Result Post A Head Injury?

Posted on Tue, 22 Mar 2016

Question: I cant seem to find an answer to my question. Can I have a TBI with a negative CT/MRI scan while having my issues nearly 10 years after my injury while my symptoms continue to get worse? I had a head injury in Afghanistan and was unconscious for over an hour. Prior to injury, I had no issues...even 20/15 vision. Immediately after injury, I had 20/50 vision, short term memory issues, balance issues, very bad amnesia losing memory of up to 8 hours at a time, extreme headaches, confusion, hard to complete easy tasks but I can complete them just takes me longer, I get irritable at a drop of a hat. AND, yet...Every CT and MRI scan has come back negative...not showing any injury at all. I have had a DR tell me I do have TBI...but a recent DR has told me I do not because her scans CT/MRI came back negative. Can I have a TBI with a negative CT/MRI scan and my issues prolong and get worse over time? My accident was in 2007...

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Get following test and take medication as advised

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Traumatic head injury has both short and long term effects and depends upon severity and area involved.
The memory, concentration and behavioural problems can be long term side effects of head injury.
In view of negative Mri images, secondary cause of memory impairment should be evaluated.
You should get vitamin B12, and Thyroid profile done.
Some anxiolytics like clonazepam or quietiapine may be taken along with vitamin B 12 supplementation.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further queries.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (9 hours later)

Thank you for your response.

So, is it possible to have a TBI with my long term issues as discussed without having a positive CT Scan or MRI? Again, all of my scans came back negative, no scaring or anything like that...

As I mentioned, one doctor stated I had a TBI as proven by my over an hour of being unconscious and my issues I described. That doctor told me that a negative scan simply states my TBI was "MILD"...but the doctor has no clue why my issues have gotten worse over the 10 years.

While another doctor I just saw stated because the scans came back negative I have "NO" TBI....and so the cause of my issues is unknown till further study.

So, to clarify my original question....is it possible for someone to have a TBI with LONG TERM issues as discussed (The memory, concentration and behavioral problems) even if the TBI was classified as "MILD" without having a positive CT Scan or MRI?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Get blood investigation as advised

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

It's difficult to give you a straight forward answer to this question. Therefore I will answer your question in this way:
In view of mild traumatic brain injury and negative imaging requires investigation to look for any other secondary cause. You should get investigated as advised previously.

Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (9 hours later)

Sir,

I am not looking for a diagnosis nor am I looking for a secondary cause.

I only want to know if it is "possible" for someone to have a TBI with LONG TERM issues (i.e., memory, concentration, physical balance, and behavioral problems) even if the TBI was classified as "MILD" without having a positive CT Scan or MRI?

Long Term meaning over many years and the issues getting worse not better...

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Unlikely to have such symptoms after improvement

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Mild traumatic brain injury without any Mri findings may not have such changes after a static phase or improved status. This is the reason I am advising work up for any secondary causes.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj