Surviving a car crash is a harrowing experience for everyone. If you have emerged relatively unscathed with minimal injuries, take a moment to be thankful for coming out relatively well on the other side.
How to Know if You Have a Concussion After a Car Accident
However, be extremely cautious and mindful of your health in the days and weeks following the accident. It often comes to pass that car crash victims may have suffered a concussion upon impact but not even realize it. The concussion would have most likely taken place due to a sudden strike, blow, or jolt to the head during the accident. Contrary to what some may think, it could even take place if the head itself has not been directly impacted, especially if the head was whipped violently forward or backward.
What are some of the tell-tale signs you should be vigilant and stay on the lookout for if you or a loved one has been injured in a crash?
Closely keep an eye out for some of these signs of a concussion:
- Difficulty walking and moving clumsily
- Loss of memory, primarily related to events immediately before and after the crash
- Confusion and forgetfulness
- Slow response time in answering questions
- Sudden erratic shifts in mood, behavior, and personality
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Headaches
- Dizziness
You can determine if some of these traits occur through questions about how the injury and accident took place.
Do these concussion symptom traits sound familiar?
If so, you should immediately seek medical attention to determine whether a concussion has taken place and identify an action plan for treatment. Depending on the severity of the injury, a medical professional may order treatment like a CT scan, MRI scan, or other examination to assess the severity.
The length of a concussion after a car accident can vary on various factors, including the health composition of the person, the severity of the injury, and how they respond to long-term treatment. It could be a matter of days and months or an even longer-term proposition. You may also need to consult with legal advisors on if you should be taking legal action as a response.
If you’re experiencing pain and seeking solutions for more effective coping, contact our team at East Coast Injury.