Many Texans are lucky enough to walk away unscathed after a car accident. However, others suffer injuries ranging in severity such as concussions; this is how to deal with such an injury and what you need to know.
Understanding concussions
Concussions rank as one of the top injuries stemming from motor vehicle accidents. They are traumatic brain injuries that are considered mild; however, you should never take a concussion diagnosis lightly as it could lead to complications that affect you in the long term.
Usually, this type of injury occurs when a person hits their head on an object upon impact such as the steering wheel, dashboard or window. However, even if you don’t hit your head, you can be left with a concussion. As the vehicle suddenly stops, the force of your head being jolted forward and then back can cause your brain to hit the inside of your skull, causing this injury.
Importance of medical care
It’s crucial to seek medical care immediately after a car accident. Even if you feel fine, the symptoms of a concussion may be delayed several hours or even days. Common signs include headaches, sensitivity to light and sound, difficulty concentrating, irritability, trouble sleeping, confusion, slurred speech, dizziness and fainting. You may also be moody and experience balance issues.
Shrugging off these symptoms can lead to your condition worsening. Even if you do seek medical attention at an emergency room and the physician that you see does not diagnose you with a concussion, seeing your regular doctor is a good idea because symptoms of a concussion can take a while to manifest. Your primary care physician can refer you to a neurologist if they suspect that you have a concussion.
Never disregard a potential brain injury. If you hit your head in a crash, it’s important to get treatment as soon as you can.
