Call NowHow to Recognize & Treat a Concussion After an Accident
A concussion, a mild type of brain injury, is not usually life-threatening. But, even so, it is important to seek medical attention immediately if you have the symptoms of one.
Concussions occur when your brain collides against the inside of your skull and are quite common after car accidents.
Our team at Impact Medical Wesley Chapel discusses how to recognize the symptoms of a concussion and how to treat one if you have been in an accident.
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of brain injury that is caused by a jolt to the head that forces the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth—like in a car accident.
The sudden movement and forces involved in a car accident can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, bruising nerves and blood vessels, and causing chemical changes in your brain that can result in the temporary loss of normal brain function.
A single concussion won’t usually cause permanent damage to your brain, but multiple concussions over a lifetime can result in long-lasting changes in your brain.
Remember, though considered a mild brain injury, the effects of concussions can be quite serious.
Symptoms of a Concussion
If you have been in a car accident and notice any of the following symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek treatment at our clinic at Impact Medical Wesley Chapel.
Symptoms of a concussion include:
- Headache (most common)
- Confusion
- Amnesia
- Dizziness
- Slurred speech
- Blurred vision
- Nausea or vomiting
- Light or sound sensitivity
- Difficulty concentrating
- Personality changes
- Feeling tired or drowsy
Learn More> How Serious is a Headache After an Accident?
How Soon Do Symptoms Appear?
Concussion symptoms usually manifest within minutes of a head injury; however, some symptoms can take hours or days to appear.
Treating a Concussion
A concussion should be treated by a medical professional as soon as possible so they can determine the severity of the concussion.
There are three grades of concussions:
- Grades 1 and 2 are minor and require a period of rest or medication to help you recover, which can range between a few hours or days.
- Grade 3 is more severe and requires more treatment. You may have to stay in the hospital for a night for observation.
In most cases, rest is the best treatment for a concussion, but it is important to visit a doctor to ensure that your injuries aren’t more serious.
Also, due to tension in the neck caused by a concussion, a visit to a chiropractor for neck adjustments can help reduce concussion discomfort and pain.
Most symptoms of concussions resolve over seven to 14 days, but it is important to remember not to overdo it (such as going back to the gym) sooner than one week after a concussion.
Remember
Concussions affect people differently, especially if caused by an accident where other injuries or symptoms may be present. While most people recover quickly and fully, some will experience symptoms that last for days and even weeks. The symptoms of a severe concussion could last for months or longer.
Never compare your recovery to someone else or another concussion that you may have experienced. Give yourself ample time to heal.
Visit Impact Medical Wesley Chapel for Concussion Treatment
If you have been in an accident and are experiencing any symptoms of a concussion, come visit our clinic at Impact Medical Wesley Chapel for exceptional care and treatment. Our physicians, chiropractors, and physical therapists are ready to help you heal and recover! Call today to schedule an appointment; 813-953-1002!