My MRI Scan Came Back Normal, But I’m Still in Pain

Even with advanced diagnostic imaging like MRI scans, some injuries, including soft tissue injuries and nerve damage, can be difficult to identify definitively. If your MRI scan came back normal, but you’re still in pain, it may have failed to detect such an injury. 

An MRI looks for structural damage to identify issues like fractures, herniated discs, torn ligaments/tendons, or other obvious internal injuries. When the imaging comes back “normal,” it means no anatomical problems were detected; however, that doesn’t necessarily mean you aren’t injured or in legitimate pain.

If you’re struggling with an MRI coming back normal while your pain persists, don’t try to go it alone against the insurance companies. An Atlanta personal injury lawyer at John Foy & Associates can help demonstrate the extent of your accident-related injuries and fight for fair compensation.

Some Pain-inducing Injuries May Not Show up on an MRI

It’s a frustrating situation that many accident victims encounter—having an MRI scan come back normal despite their evident pain and discomfort. Even with advanced diagnostic imaging like MRI scans, some injuries can be difficult to definitively identify. 

There are a few potential reasons why this happens, and it’s important not to simply accept these results at face value. Take a look at the following injuries that can lead to chronic pain but may not register on an MRI scan.

Soft Tissue and Nerve Damage Not Visible on MRIs

While extremely useful diagnostic tools, MRI scans have limitations in detecting certain types of injuries. Subtle soft tissue damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments may not show anatomical changes significant enough to register on imaging. 

The same goes for nerve damage from the traction, stretching, and compression that frequently occurs during accidents. Imaging diagnosis in peripheral nerve injury may require additional diagnostic aids, such as ultrasound. 

Whiplash and Other Neck/Back Injuries

Whiplash is a common accident injury where the sudden whipping motion overextends the neck’s tendons and ligaments beyond their typical range. It’s questionable whether whiplash will show up on an MRI, though. 

Since soft tissues may not show up well on MRIs, whiplash may have normal scan results despite causing severe neck pain and stiffness. The same is true for other back and spinal cord injuries.

Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Syndromes

The exact causes of many chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia remain unknown, but physical trauma has been identified as a potential trigger. With no discernible anatomical signature, these “invisible” yet debilitating syndromes often get missed on diagnostic imaging, even as they impact the patient’s daily functioning.

Head Trauma Symptoms Like Headaches and Cognitive Issues

Concussions and other mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) may not present obvious structural damage detectable by MRI. However, these head injuries frequently cause post-concussion issues like migraines, dizziness, memory problems, and other cognitive impairments despite a “normal” scan.

PTSD, Depression, and Other Psychological Injuries

Emotional and psychological trauma from accidents doesn’t show up on MRIs, yet it can be just as impairing as physical injuries. Conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and accident-triggered depression/anxiety may have pain manifestations while remaining internally invisible.

The bottom line is that you should trust your own experiences regarding pain and limitations after an accident, even if an MRI comes back normal. The personal injury team at John Foy & Associates can help you demonstrate your injuries and seek the compensation you deserve. 

What to Do if Your MRI Scan Came Back Normal, But You’re Still in Pain

If an MRI or CT scan shows nothing after an accident, this does not mean you should dismiss your pain. You should continue to undergo any diagnostic procedures your doctor recommends. They may send you to specialists who can conduct further tests, as well. 

It’s important to follow up with your doctor and complete any prescribed treatment plan. This will help you reach your maximum medical recovery. It will also protect your right to seek financial recovery from a liable party. 

Aside from continuing your medical treatment, you should also consult a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. They can begin working on your case and protect you from bad-faith insurance tactics that could undermine your claim. 

For example, an insurance adjuster may argue that you do not suffer accident-related injuries if an MRI scan comes back normal. Our legal team can consult your doctors and demonstrate your damages to ensure your right to seek compensation. 

Consult a Personal Injury Law Firm if Your MRI Scan Came Back Normal, But You’re Still in Pain

You know your body better than anyone, and you know something isn’t right after your accident. Your pain is real, even if the MRI didn’t capture everything. That’s why it’s so important to have a legal advocate on your side to fully investigate your accident, collect additional evidence, work with medical specialists, and fight for the compensation you need.

Our personal injury attorneys in Atlanta can counter an insurer’s determination of damages. We can negotiate a fair settlement or take legal action to seek a verdict. When you work with John Foy & Associates, you can focus on your physical health while we take care of your claim or lawsuit. 

Contact us today for a free initial consultation. We can explore your legal options and explain more about how we can help.