A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that occurs when there's a sudden impact to the head. Auto accidents are a common cause of concussions. When you’re in a car crash, the impact of another vehicle can cause the head to jolt from forward and backward or from one side to the other with significant force.
If you've been in an accident, the team at Tulsa Accident Care Center have you covered. At our state-of-the-art center we can quickly and accurately diagnose a concussion and put you on the path to recovery with a comprehensive treatment plan.
It’s always best to seek medical attention as soon as possible following a car accident. Even what seems like a minor fender bender can cause injury, and symptoms may not make themselves apparent right away. Keep reading to find out what to do if you’ve been diagnosed with or suspect that you have a concussion.
A concussion occurs when a head impact sets off a cascade of events in the brain as it tries to cope with injury and heal itself. In the immediate aftermath of a car crash, symptoms of a concussion are easy to miss or may be delayed.
Adrenaline and other chemicals can prevent you from feeling immediate signs and symptoms of injury. Car accident-related concussions may gradually reveal themselves over the course of 24 to 48 hours following an auto accident.
Some concussion warning signs to look out for include:
If left unchecked, symptoms may worsen. That’s why you should get medical attention as soon as possible after an accident, even if your symptoms seem minor at first.
Seeking medical evaluation is the very first step you should take the moment you suspect that you may have a concussion. At Tulsa Accident Care Center our team will evaluate your symptoms, review your medical history, and perform a neurological examination.
A concussion does not cause structural changes to the brain. However, your provider may order neuroimaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan to rule out more serious injury, such as bleeding in the brain.
After a concussion your brain needs the rest to heal. Overstimulating your brain during this time may interfere with the healing process. This is the time to take a break from brain intensive activities such as learning a new skill. If you're a student, it's wise to talk to your professors to discuss making some adjustments to your deadlines and workload.
Sleep is important for your brain to renew itself each day and it's even more important following a concussion. It’s normal to feel fatigued and tired after a brain injury. Get adequate sleep at night and rest during the day. If you feel sleepy during the day, it’s okay to take naps as needed.
Giving your body and brain enough time to recover after a concussion is paramount. If you’re an active individual this means temporarily scaling back on your physical activities to give your brain some time to recover. Try relaxing activities such as reading, or watching television.
If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, the Tulsa Accident Care Center team is here to provide guidance and support every step of the way. Give our Tulsa, Oklahoma, office a call at 918-888-8080 to schedule a visit, or book your visit online today.
