A concussion is a mild brain injury caused by a blow to the head. All concussions are serious and require prompt medical evaluation and care. While playing sports is commonly associated with concussions, auto accidents are another common cause.
Because concussions are complex, and every case is different, proper evaluation is crucial for determining the severity, implications, and timetable for recovery.
Oftentimes people who are injured in an auto accident feel overwhelmed, traumatized, and just want to get on with their lives. If you bumped your head in an auto accident there’s no time for guesswork. Seek prompt evaluation from a physician who specializes in acute accident care.
Here at Tulsa Accident Care Center, Dr. Robert Mitchell and our team know that the time immediately following a car accident is crucial to your recovery and well-being. We can diagnose and treat your injuries.
Here we discuss six of the most common symptoms of a concussion.
A concussion temporarily affects the brain and commonly causes memory loss. People who sustain a concussion often report a brief period of memory loss. You may be unable to recall the events immediately before and after your injury. If you don’t remember the time around the accident, or if you notice episodes of forgetfulness, this can be a telltale sign of a concussion.
A headache is a warning sign of a concussion. If you bump your head in an auto accident, even if you don’t recall hitting your head, look out for head pain. A concussion headache may appear immediately or gradually over the days after the accident.
It may feel like a tightness or pressure on your head. Many patients with concussion headaches report that their headache feels different from a typical headache. Concussion headaches are complex. Tell us about any unusual headaches.
Problems concentrating on tasks and focusing for extended periods of time can be a sign of a concussion.
Some people with a concussion have changes in their cognitive abilities. You may notice that you’re unable to retain information as well as before the injury, or you may have issues planning, organizing, or making decisions.
Talk to us about any changes in your cognitive skills, even if they seem subtle.
Changes in vision may be a warning sign of a concussion and requires prompt evaluation. Head trauma can have a significant impact on the visual system.
Some people develop a cluster of symptoms known as post-concussion vision syndrome. These symptoms include issues with eye coordination, blurred vision, dizziness, and double vision.
Head trauma causes problems with the signals that transmit sound, so ringing in the ears is a common consequence of concussions. You should also take note of and discuss fluctuations in your hearing. If you notice that sounds seem too loud, you should tell let us know.
A concussion can cause changes in your sleep. Whether you’re sleeping more, having trouble falling asleep, or having issues staying asleep, it’s important to make note of any disruptions in your normal sleeping patterns.
Prompt evaluation is always best if you suspect that you have a concussion from an auto accident. Our team will perform a comprehensive assessment and recommend an appropriate treatment plan to help you recover from a concussion and restore your health.
For more information, call to schedule a visit at our office in Tulsa, Oklahoma, or request an appointment online today.
