Concussion After A Car Accident

December 16,2015

Concussions and head wounds are severe injuries that can occur even during minor car accidents. While auto manufacturers have done a great job establishing more comprehensive safety features in vehicles, the safest component – the seat belt – is really aimed at protecting your chest and torso. Your head remains quite vulnerable during a crash, and even when an airbag is deployed, injuries can still occur. Head injuries can cause long lasting symptoms. The long-term effects of a concussion depend largely on the severity of the injury. Most individuals who suffer a mild or moderate concussion notice that symptoms resolve within 7 to 14 days, but severe concussion symptoms can linger for many months.

If you believe you’ve suffered a concussion immediately after a car accident, or if symptoms arise in the days or weeks after an accident, you’ll want to speak to an injury physician. Some people think you can only suffer a severe concussion if you were knocked out cold during the accident, but that’s simply not true. Left unchecked, symptoms can worsen and lengthen the healing process.

Here are some symptoms to watch out for:

Headache

Sensitivity to light

Dizziness

Confusion

Trouble concentrating

Feeling of a mental fog

Difficulty sleeping

Irritability

Anxiety and depression

If you are diagnosed with a concussion, you will likely be prescribed a course of rest, cognitive and physical therapy and medications. With severe concussions, headaches and light sensitivity can last for months, but if you stick to your rehab plan and ease your way back into athletic activity and work, you’ll slowly notice that symptoms will lessen. If symptoms continue after a few months of continued rehab, speak to your doctor, as it could be a sign of a more serious injury that needs extra attention.

Don't take chances with your health and well-being following a motor vehicle accident. Contact our office for same-day appointments at our Jacksonville and Orange Park locations.