Diagnostic Testing

Diagnostic Testing

If you’ve been in a car accident or suffered a workers’ compensation injury, diagnostic testing is critical. Your doctor will order various diagnostic tests to look inside your body and check for injuries. These tests can uncover broken bones, soft tissue injuries, and problems with your nerves. You might only have to take a single test, or you could need a series of tests. Your doctor will evaluate your injuries and determine which diagnostic test or tests you need.

Learn more about the tests used to diagnose injuries after car and workplace accidents. Then, if you have an injury, go to the doctor immediately so you can undergo diagnostic testing.

MRI

A magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, scan uses radio waves, a magnetic field, and a computer to create pictures of the inside of your body. Your doctor will use the images to get a closer look at soft tissue, joints, and bones. The scans are detailed so that if you have a sprain, your doctor will be able to tell you the degree of the soft tissue injury after looking at the images.

CT

CT stands for computed tomography. CT scans take images in slices. The technology then pieces the images together to form a three-dimensional image. Doctors look at the three-dimensional image to check for signs of joint problems and fractures. CT scans can also detect internal bleeding that many people experience after an auto accident. Because of that, CT scans are very important after suffering an injury due to a car accident.

Nerve Conduction Velocity Test

You can experience nerve damage as a result of a car accident or workplace injury. Your doctor will conduct a nerve conduction velocity test to check for damage. The electrodes placed on your skin will emit pulses of electricity to the nerve. The test shows the doctor if the nerves are working properly or if there is damage, such as nerve entrapment.

EMG

Electromyography (EMC) can also be used to diagnose problems with the nerves. Your brain sends nerve signals to the muscles, telling them what to do. This test measures if your muscle’s responses to those signals. Your doctor will place a needle electrode into the muscle. The electrode records the activity. This test is usually conducted along with a nerve conduction velocity test.

X-rays

X-rays provide doctors with images of your bones. Auto and workplace injuries often lead to broken bones. This diagnostic test will allow your doctor to see if you have any fractures.

Get Tested Quickly

Diagnostic testing is the first step in determining the source of your symptoms and the severity of your injuries. After reviewing the test results, your doctor can develop a treatment plan just for you. Injuries caused by car and workplace accidents are often significant, and sometimes, the symptoms don’t fully develop for days or weeks. It’s critical to get medical attention immediately after being in an accident. Your doctor will determine which tests are needed. Then, if a problem is discovered, you can begin treatment immediately.