MRI uses magnets and radio waves (not radiation) to create detailed images of brain or spine structures. It’s used to look for structural changes such as bleeding, swelling, tumors, or tissue abnormalities.

‍Why it matters: MRI is excellent for anatomy, but many concussion/mild TBI symptoms reflect brain function rather than obvious structural injury—so symptoms can persist even with a “normal” MRI.

‍What it can look like: Ordered when symptoms/exam findings suggest deeper structural evaluation; may include special sequences; can be normal in concussion despite significant symptoms.

‍How clinicians check it: Radiology interpretation of structures; correlation with exam + symptom timeline; additional functional testing if MRI doesn’t explain symptoms (cognitive/vestibular).

‍Common misunderstandings: Normal MRI doesn’t mean “nothing happened”; MRI isn’t a direct test of attention/processing speed/fatigue; imaging is one piece—function and history still matter.

‍Key takeaway: MRI shows structure well, but post-concussion symptoms can be functional even when imaging looks normal.