Re: CAT scan -- fall or stroke?

> At some later time, say for a regular doctor's
> visit, or even when a visiting nurse comes to
> the person's home, and the elderly person had
> been diagnosed as having Alzheimer's Disease,
> someone notes in the records that the patient
> seems worse (say, decreased cognitive function,
> or confusion).

> In the absense of a visible bruise on the skin
> or scalp, these professionals might miss any
> injury to the brain that could cause the elderly
> person's condition to worsen somewhat.

> Would a radiologist doing a CT be able to detect
> a minor injury to the brain and attribute it to
> a fall with enough confidence that a doctor could
> take appropriate action?


Yes.  A head CT should be performed.  The question to be answered  
regards the existence of a subdural hematoma.  This can cause a 
worsening of mental status, or worsening dementia.  

A blood test should also be performed in case of an unexplained 
worsening of dementia.  The test is called thyroid function tests (TFTs) 
and are recommended because abnormal thyroid function can cause 
dementia.