Car accidents can happen fast. Even if you feel fine immediately afterward, there is a chance you could have developed a severe brain injury, like a concussion, during the accident. Because of this, you must seek a formal diagnosis from a licensed health care provider. However, knowing what a concussion is and the signs and symptoms can be beneficial when having these initial conversations with your doctor.
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that can occur when a blow or jolt to the head or body causes the brain to move rapidly back and forth. According to the Mayo Clinic, concussions can have temporary but serious effects on your brain functioning. They can involve cognitive, physical, and emotional symptoms.
While the majority of people fully recover from a concussion, treatment can involve extensive medical care and potential time off work.
What are the key symptoms of a concussion?
Concussion symptoms may not officially show up for days, weeks or months after an accident. If you believe you or a loved one may have suffered a concussion as the result of a car accident, these are some of the symptoms you should look out for:
Physical symptoms
After a car accident, you might notice physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea, or vomiting. You may also experience dizziness, fatigue, or problems with balance and coordination. According to the Cleveland Clinic, sensitivity to noise and light is also common. This can make daily activities challenging.
Cognitive symptoms
Concussions can impact your cognitive abilities. Confusion, difficulty concentrating and memory problems are all common symptoms for those with a concussion. Additionally, these symptoms can show up in many different ways. For example, you may feel mentally foggy or unable to recall recent events.
Emotional symptoms
The emotional symptoms of a concussion are often overlooked. However, they can have just as much of an impact as physical or cognitive symptoms. For example, concussions can cause people to feel irritable, sad or anxious as a result of any physical or mental challenges. Concussions can also make it difficult to regulate your emotions, causing mood swings and other issues. According to the CDC, if you or a loved one notice changes in emotional regulation or mood after a car accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention right away.
Sleep disturbances
Changes in sleep patterns can also signal a concussion. For example, you may sleep more than usual or have trouble falling or staying asleep. The Mayo Clinic says sleep disruptions are quite common for people with concussions or other head injuries.
Watch out for these more serious symptoms
If you or a loved one experiences repeated vomiting, seizures, or difficulty waking up, seek care and guidance from a medical professional as soon as possible. Early intervention can prevent long-term effects and promote a healthy and effective recovery.
Remember to take care of yourself
While concussions are the mildest traumatic brain injuries, it’s still crucial that you take the time you need to heal and recover fully. According to Cleveland Clinic, the best ways to take care of yourself after a car accident include:
- Sleeping/resting regularly
- Avoiding physically or mentally demanding activities
- Drinking plenty of water
- Avoiding environments with bright lights or loud noises
It’s also important to pace yourself during your recovery. Make sure you work with your health care provider to gradually integrate into your work, hobbies and day-to-day activities.
Get the help you need today
Knowledge is power when it comes to recognizing the symptoms of a concussion after a car accident. You may worry about how you will afford the cost of recovery, especially if your insurance provider fails to offer you adequate coverage. If that’s the case, there are ways you can seek compensation to cover medical treatment and time away from work to address your concussion.