According to the CDC, car accidents cause 17% of traumatic brain injury deaths, including concussions. Recognizing concussion symptoms after a car accident can be critical to the well-being of a victim.
Bobby Jones Law explains concussions from car accidents and how to recognize symptoms.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a disruption of normal brain activity because of traumatic injury. Force to the brain prevents it from receiving and processing information normally for any period of time. A person may or may not lose consciousness, and injury is often not visible.
Understanding concussions
There are multiple ways that a person may suffer brain or head trauma. It may be the result of being struck by an object. It can result from a violent shaking, even if no object ever strikes the person’s head.
With concussion, trauma to the brain prevents normal functioning. The jolt to the brain stretches nerves and shakes tissue. Tissue may be damaged, and chemical changes may occur. It takes time for the brain to return to normal function.
Despite often not having outward visible signs, concussion is a serious injury. A person may suffer the effects of a concussion for weeks, months, or years.
- Teens and young adults are the most likely to suffer a concussion from a car accident (ages 15-24). The second-highest group is adults aged 25-34 (CDC).
- Car accidents are the most common cause of brain injury-related deaths for children ages 0-17.
214,110 people were hospitalized for traumatic brain injury in 2020 from all causes. This statistic doesn’t include people who don’t get treated.
The Difference Between Mild, Moderate, and Severe Concussions
A concussion can be mild, moderate, or severe. The amount and direction of force are two factors that may impact the severity of the concussion. A person’s health and whether they have suffered previous injury can also impact the amount of harm.
Mild concussion
- No loss of consciousness
- Headache is the primary symptom
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Feeling dazed, emotional, or on edge
At first, the person may seem fine. However, there may be small signs that something is amiss. Symptoms may continue to develop in the days following the accident. However, most mild concussion symptoms begin to improve in three days. Full recovery may take up to two weeks for the average adult.
Moderate concussion
- Slurred speech, unusual or slow response to questions
- Asking a question repeatedly
- Sleep disruptions, sleeping too much or too little
- Irritability, mood changes
- Emotional changes, depression symptoms
- Changes to the senses, including sight, smell, and taste
- Ringing in the ears
- Worsening headache
A moderate concussion usually doesn’t result in a loss of consciousness. Symptoms persist for longer than 15 minutes. Significant disruption in daily and cognitive function may occur. The victim should rest and seek follow-up care to promote recovery.
Severe concussion
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizure
- Bleeding may occur
- Marked disruption in brain function
- Amnesia, or forgetting of the event that caused the concussion
- Disoriented to people and places
- Pupils of different sizes, pupils with unusual appearance
A severe concussion is a medical emergency. Additional trauma can be especially harmful. Doctors can perform imaging testing and monitor brain pressure to identify harm and minimize complications. The person may receive supplemental oxygen, and blood supply and blood pressure can be monitored. Emergency surgery may be needed. Medication can help prevent seizures or reduce fluids to help with brain pressure. A person may be placed in an induced coma.
A severe concussion, or repeated concussions, can cause permanent changes to the brain.
Common Immediate Signs to Look for After a Car Accident
- Headache
- Confusion, trouble concentrating
- Feeling lost or dazed
- Vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded
- Blank stare
- Vision changes, being bothered by bright lights
- Weakness in the body, poor coordination
- Bruises or bumps on the head or neck
If there are signs of a concussion, a person should receive immediate medical attention. Symptoms are often more serious than they appear. In addition, concussion symptoms after a car accident often appear with other injuries.
A person may report feeling “off,” feeling like they’re in a fog, or just not feeling normal. Be especially vigilant of signs of concussion in children. They are often unable to say how they are feeling.
Physical, Emotional, and Cognitive Symptoms
Symptoms of concussion may be physical or cognitive. They can be hard to recognize because they may not be immediately associated with brain function. For example, a person may not know why they have weakness in their limbs or why they are having trouble sleeping. These may be symptoms of concussion from a car accident.
Identifying Delayed Concussion Symptoms
Delayed concussion symptoms may appear in the days and weeks following the accident. If a person has physical or mental difficulties that develop, they may have delayed symptoms of a concussion.
Second Impact Syndrome
Second impact occurs when a person has a second traumatic injury to the brain before the symptoms of the first have fully subsided. A second impact can be fatal or cause lifelong disability. It is important for concussion victims to identify their symptoms and treat them fully before returning to activity. This may mean rest during recovery.
The Importance of Early Detection
Early detection of concussion is important. The sooner a person identifies and treats their symptoms, the sooner they may find relief.
When to See a Doctor for a Concussion
If you are in a car accident, see a doctor if there is any sign of injury, including concussion. A doctor has training to identify brain trauma. You may not recognize your own symptoms, and there may be things that you can do to shorten your recovery time.
When to contact a lawyer
If you are in a car accident that resulted in a concussion, you should contact a lawyer. A lawyer can give you an honest evaluation of what your case is worth. They can explain what you can do to be fairly compensated for injury.
Contact
Attorney Bobby Jones of Bobby Jones Law is an attorney for car accidents. He represents people who have symptoms of concussion after a car accident. Contact us to discuss your case and get legal help now.
