When it comes to diagnosing concussions, many people wonder if MRI, X-ray, or CT scans are necessary. Here is when imaging helps — and when a clinical assessment is enough.
Heads Up Concussion Care
When it comes to diagnosing and treating concussions, many people wonder if imaging scans like MRI, X-ray, or CT scans are necessary. While these scans can be crucial in certain situations, they are not typically used to diagnose a concussion itself. If you have just had a knock to the head in Perth, a structured concussion assessment is usually the right first step.
Understanding concussion diagnosis
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury. Standard imaging often shows no structural damage — which is why scans alone cannot confirm or rule out concussion. We diagnose based on your story, symptom pattern, and examination, using tools aligned with Complete Concussions protocols.
At Heads Up Concussion Care in Subiaco, assessment includes vestibular and ocular screening, cervical spine review, and clear guidance on what to do in the first 48 hours. For background on symptoms, see what is a concussion.
When to consider imaging
Imaging may be necessary if there is suspicion of a more serious injury — skull fracture or brain bleed. Go to the emergency department if you notice:
- Loss of consciousness
- Weakness, numbness, or tingling
- Seizures
- Rapidly worsening severe headache
- Repeated vomiting
- Unsteadiness when walking
- Bruising around eyes or ears
- Increasing confusion or unusual behaviour
- Inability to remember the injury
The Healthdirect concussion guide summarises when urgent care is needed — use it alongside professional assessment, not instead of it.
The future of concussion scanning
Functional MRI (fMRI) measures brain activity rather than structure. Research is exploring whether fMRI patterns help identify concussion-related changes, but it is not yet standard clinical practice.
Imaging plays an important role in ruling out serious injury — not in diagnosing concussion on its own. If you have red flags, seek emergency care. Otherwise, book a concussion assessment so we can build a safe, active recovery plan.
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Common questions
- Can an MRI show a concussion?
- Routine MRI and CT scans usually appear normal after concussion because the injury is functional, not a visible structural tear. Clinical assessment remains the standard approach.
- When should I go to hospital instead of a physio clinic?
- Go to emergency if you have red flags such as repeated vomiting, worsening headache, seizures, weakness, or increasing confusion. Otherwise book a specialist concussion assessment promptly.
- Do I need a referral to see Heads Up?
- No referral is required for private physiotherapy. GPs can refer if you prefer — see our contact page to book.