Be aware that your options are not limited. If you are reading this article, you have now been made aware of SPECT scans and fMRIs. The purpose of these imaging test is to reveal dysfunction in your brain arising from a mild traumatic brain injury. Which is the reason why a strong Personal Injury and Disability lawyer will make it a point to have their medical team diagnosed or rule out a potential MTBI in their clients with either a SPECT scan or fMRI, the results of which can assist the client with a proper diagnosis, treatment of their condition, and increase the likelihood of fair compensation from their insurer for their recovery.
What is a SPECT Scan:
SPECT means “single photon emission computed tomography.” In common English this means that patients are injected with a radioactive isotope that emits gamma rays. As the isotope makes ways through your blood stream it continues to emit radiation. The radiation is tracked by a “gamma camera” which is position above the patient and is able to detect the gamma rays emitted by the isotope. A computer then identifies where the gamma rays are coming from in as a 3 dimensional image.
To make a long story short, multiple images will reveal to the health practitioner if blood flow in your body has been impacted by your condition. As a result, if you have had a concussion, brain SPECT imaging can confirm whether or not you have sustained brain dysfunction after your injury.
Functional MRIs:
fMRI scans (functional nuclear magnetic resonance imaging) utilizes magnets and radio waves. The technology magnetizes soft tissues, creating a magnetic field which is then altered by the radio wave.
The technology can detect even minimal changes in the radio waves to form a 3D image of the scanned tissue through magnetized tissues. In plain English the technology allows health practitioners to see how the brain is managing its oxygen supply and whether the right regions of the brain respond in the correct way.
fMRIs differ from SPECT scans in that is able to pin point for post-concussion patients which areas of the brain are dysfunctional. fMRIs without a doubt is more accurate in identifying potential mild traumatic brain injury, especially as it relates to post concussive syndrome. While both methods can reveal if your brain has been affected by a concussion, fMRI can reveal which parts of your brain are affected, and therefore tailor treatment to target those regions. The technology provides special details regarding how your brain has been impacted by injury which is invaluable when it comes to treatment.
If you have suffered an emotional trauma or traumatic event fMRIs and SPECT scans are useful tools in providing a diagnosis, treatment options and provides the necessary exposure for your Personal Injury and Disability lawyer to seek proper compensation for your recovery.
MTBI: Post-concussive Syndrome and Treatment Options Available
For many patients, concussion symptoms resolve after about two weeks. But for others, those symptoms just won’t seem to go away. If that describes your situation you may have Post – concussive syndrome. Post –concussive syndrome occurs when concussive symptoms persist for months or years after sustaining a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) or another type of brain trauma.
Symptoms of Post- Concussion Syndrome include:
Cognitive Related Symptoms
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty finding things
- Difficulty reading
- Easily distracted
- Brain fog
- Memory problem
Mood – Related Symptoms
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Irritability
- Low energy or motivation
- Various other mood personality changes
Sensory-Related Symptoms
- Blurry vision
- Car sickness or nausea with motion
- Change in taste or smell
- Ringing ears
Blood Dysregulation Symptoms
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Sleep disturbances
- Pressure in the head
- Persistent neck pain
- red eyes
After undergoing a SPECT scan or fMRI if you have received post-concussive syndrome diagnosis, there are a multitude of individual therapy options available to you which include but are not limited to the following:
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Eye Movement Desensitization Reprogramming (EMDR)
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
- Mindfulness Based Psychotherapy
- Psychodynamic/Analytic Therapy
- Interpersonal Psychotherapy
- Gestalt Therapy
- Narrative Therapy
- Sex Therapy
- Solution Focused Brief Therapy
- Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Attached based Psychotherapy
- Prolong Exposure Therapy
- IFS Therapy (IFS)
- Sensory Motor/Somatic Experiencing Therapy
At Juzkiw Law our legal and medical team will work diligently to ensure that you receive the proper individualized treatment in response to your post-concussive syndrome diagnosis. We understand that the right therapy can help you gain control over the emotions, feelings and situations that might be keeping you stuck. We also understand that this therapy relationship involves developing a trusting relationship with a therapist, in a safe environment sot you can work together on your recovery. Results that matter.
About the Author
Stefan Juzkiw is the founder and managing partner of Juzkiw Law. Since 2013, he has enjoyed helping others and problem-solving with a concentration in CPP Disability Benefits Appeals, Long-Term Disability, Car Accident, and Catastrophic litigation. Stefan graduated in Electrical Engineering and completed his Master of Business Administration from the University of Windsor, and has a Doctor of Law Degree from Wayne State University. He is a licensed lawyer in Michigan, USA, and Ontario, Canada.
If you have experienced emotional trauma or an ongoing event leading to the denial of your disability benefits, you can count on us to advocate for you. Our goal is to help restore your dignity and secure the proper compensation for your recovery. I understand trauma and adversity, and I know people.
