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Concussions in Car Accidents: Why You Should See a Doctor Immediately

Car accident injuries, particularly concussions, are a common consequence of car accidents that are often overlooked. While they are considered mild traumatic brain injuries, if left untreated, they can have serious long-term effects. Symptoms don’t always show up right away, so even if you feel fine after an accident, you should see a doctor.

In this blog, we will talk about the causes, symptoms, and long-term risks of concussions from car accidents and why you need to see an experienced car accident doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment to recover fully.

What is a Concussion?

A concussion injury is a brain injury caused by a sudden jolt, blow, or violent shaking of the head. In many cases, it’s the brain hitting the inside of the skull, which can cause temporary or permanent disruption to normal brain function. Concussions are often referred to as “mild” TBIs, but that’s a misnomer as the effects can range from mild symptoms to long-term cognitive impairment.

Mechanism of Injury

In a car accident, the rapid deceleration or impact can cause the brain to move rapidly within the skull. An impact on the steering wheel can cause the head to strike it, leading to traumatic brain injuries and potential concussions. This can happen even if there is no direct hit to the head. The force of the collision causes the brain to hit the hard surfaces inside the skull, causing bruising or damage to brain tissue. Even without visible external injuries, the internal damage can be significant.

Common Causes of Concussions in Car Accidents

Concussions often happen in rear-end collisions or sudden stops. The violent forward and backward movement of the head, known as whiplash, can cause the brain to shake inside the skull. In some cases, the victim may not lose consciousness, so the injury is not obvious but no less dangerous.

Symptoms of a Concussion

Knowing the symptoms of head injuries, such as a concussion, after a car accident is key to getting proper medical treatment. Symptoms can vary in severity and may not show up right away but should always be taken seriously.

Immediate Symptoms

Some concussion symptoms may show up right after the car accident. Common symptoms are headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Victims may also experience blurred vision, difficulty concentrating, or confusion. These symptoms can show up within minutes or hours of the injury but can also be subtle, so victims may not realize they have a concussion.

Delayed Symptoms

Concussion symptoms can also be delayed, sometimes showing up days or even weeks later. These delayed symptoms are memory loss, irritability, mood swings, or difficulty sleeping. Sensitivity to light and noise is another common symptom that can develop over time. This delay can make it easy for victims to underestimate the severity of their injury.

Cognitive and Emotional Symptoms

Concussions affect a person’s ability to think clearly. Difficulty concentrating or remembering recent events is a common symptom. Emotionally, victims may experience sudden mood changes, depression, or anxiety. These cognitive and emotional effects can be long-term if the concussion is not treated properly.

How to Diagnose a Concussion After a Car Accident

Diagnosing a concussion quickly and accurately after a car accident is key to preventing long-term complications. It is crucial to seek medical attention immediately to ensure proper evaluation and treatment. Medical evaluation is the first step in determining the severity of the injury.

Medical Exam

After a car accident, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial, especially if a head injury or concussion symptoms are present. A doctor will do a thorough exam and ask about the accident and any symptoms the patient is experiencing. This initial exam will rule out other more severe brain injuries and determine if further testing is needed.

Imaging

Doctors may order diagnostic imaging such as a CT or MRI to assess brain damage. These scans will show a detailed picture of the brain and will reveal any swelling, bleeding, or structural damage. While not always necessary for mild concussions, imaging is important for more serious injuries such as hematomas or other complications.

Cognitive and Neurological Tests

In addition to imaging, doctors may do cognitive and neurological tests to evaluate the patient’s memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities. These tests will identify any functional impairment from the concussion. Neurological exams will also test reflexes, balance, and coordination to give further insight into the brain’s condition after the accident.

Man With Concussion at Doctor

Treatment and Recovery

Recovering from a concussion after a car accident requires careful management and following medical instructions. Proper treatment will minimize long-term effects and ensure full recovery.

Rest and Observation

The first step in treating a concussion is rest. In the immediate aftermath of the injury, patients are often told to limit both physical and mental activities. Avoid strenuous tasks such as exercise or mentally demanding work. Sometimes, patients may need to be observed for worsening symptoms at home or in a medical facility.

Gradual Return to Activity

Once the initial recovery period is over, most doctors will recommend a gradual return to normal activities. This means slowly introducing physical exercise and cognitive tasks under medical supervision. Going too hard too soon can prolong recovery or worsen symptoms, so following your healthcare provider’s instructions is important.

Managing Post Concussion Syndrome

For some concussions, symptoms may linger longer than expected and develop into post-concussion syndrome (PCS). This may require more intense treatment, including physical therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, and medication to manage symptoms like headaches or mood changes. Ongoing monitoring by medical professionals is crucial for those with PCS to get the best possible outcome.

Follow-Up

Follow-up care is part of concussion recovery. Regular visits with your healthcare provider will monitor your progress and address any remaining issues. If symptoms persist or worsen, your doctor may refer you to specialists such as neurologists or rehabilitation therapists to help with your recovery.

Consequences of Undiagnosed or Untreated Concussions

Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions, can lead to serious long-term health risks if not diagnosed or treated. Knowing these risks is key to proper care after a car accident.

Long-Term Brain Damage

If a concussion is left untreated, the brain can suffer permanent damage. Cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and reasoning will deteriorate over time. In severe cases, this can lead to irreversible brain injury and reduce a person’s ability to perform daily tasks or work.

Risk of Hematoma

Undiagnosed concussions can sometimes result in a hematoma, where blood accumulates between the brain and the skull. This increases pressure on the brain and can lead to complications such as brain swelling, loss of consciousness, or even death. Immediate medical attention is necessary to prevent this from happening.

Post Concussion Syndrome

Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) is when symptoms of a concussion last for weeks, months, or even years. Victims may experience ongoing headaches, dizziness, and emotional changes, which can severely impact their quality of life. Without proper treatment, these prolonged symptoms will make recovery much harder and increase the risk of permanent disability.

Quality of Life

Undiagnosed concussions often result in reduced quality of life. People may experience mood swings, anxiety, depression, and difficulty concentrating. This can impact their relationships, work life, and overall well-being. Proper diagnosis and treatment is key to avoiding these life-changing consequences.

What to Do After a Car Accident

Taking the right action immediately after a car accident will protect your health and your legal rights. Here’s what to do after an accident to get proper care and compensation.

Get Medical Attention Right Away

After a car accident, even if you feel fine at first, get medical attention as soon as possible. Concussion symptoms can be delayed, and early intervention can prevent long-term complications. A healthcare professional can evaluate you, run tests, and provide documentation that may be necessary for insurance claims or legal action.

Document the Accident

Get as much information as you can at the scene of the accident. Take pictures of the vehicles, the accident scene, and any visible injuries. Get the other driver’s contact and insurance information and witness information if there are any. Accurate documentation is key to a strong case if there’s a dispute.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Give them all the details, including any medical documentation related to your concussion or other injuries. Early notification will help establish a clear link between the accident and your injuries, which is important for any claims you may file.

Follow Medical Advice

Concussions need to be managed. Follow your doctor’s advice, including rest and activity restrictions. Proper treatment will not only help your recovery but also ensure your injury is fully documented, which will be important if legal action or further medical care is needed.

Consult a Car Accident Lawyer

If you suffered a concussion or other serious injury in the accident, it’s best to consult a car accident lawyer. They can guide you through the process of filing claims, negotiating with insurance companies, and getting fair compensation. A lawyer experienced in brain injury cases can also help with legal action if the other party is at fault for the accident.

See an Experienced Atlanta Car Accident Doctor ASAP!

If you or a loved one has suffered a concussion from a car accident, don’t wait to seek the medical and legal help you deserve. Our team at Hurt 911 specializes in handling car accident injuries, and we are here to guide you through the recovery process.

Schedule an appointment with us today at 404-687-9000!

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