What Are the Symptoms of a Concussion from a Car Accident?

In the violent, jarring moments of a car accident, your head can be whipped back and forth with incredible force. Even if you don’t hit your head on the steering wheel or a window, the sudden deceleration can cause your brain to slam against the inside of your skull. This impact can damage brain cells and create chemical changes in the brain, resulting in a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The most common form of TBI is a concussion.

A concussion is often called an “invisible injury.” Unlike a broken bone or a deep cut, you can’t see it from the outside. Because of this, many car accident victims don’t realize they have one. They may feel a bit dazed or “off” but attribute it to the stress of the crash, not a physical injury to their brain.

Ignoring the signs of a concussion is dangerous. It can delay your recovery and lead to long-term complications. Recognizing the wide range of symptoms—which can be physical, cognitive, and emotional—is the first and most critical step toward protecting your health.

Useful Information for You: In a Nutshell

• It’s a Brain Injury: A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head or a violent shaking, common in car accidents.
• You Don’t Have to Lose Consciousness: This is a common myth. Most concussions occur without any loss of consciousness.
• Symptoms Can Be Delayed: Like whiplash, the full symptoms of a concussion may not be apparent for hours or even a day or two after the accident.
• Symptoms are Varied: They are not just physical. Concussion symptoms fall into four main categories: physical (headache, dizziness), cognitive (confusion, memory issues), emotional (irritability, anxiety), and sleep-related.
• A Medical Diagnosis is Essential: If you experience any potential concussion symptoms, you must see a doctor immediately for a proper evaluation.

The Four Categories of Concussion Symptoms

The signs of a concussion can be subtle and wide-ranging. It’s helpful to think of them in four distinct groups. You may experience symptoms from one, some, or all of these categories.

1. Physical Symptoms

These are the most commonly recognized signs of a concussion.

• Headache or a feeling of “pressure” in the head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or problems with balance
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Blurred or double vision
• Fatigue or feeling sluggish and tired

2. Cognitive or “Thinking” Symptoms

This is the “brain fog” that many people report. It’s a sign that the brain’s processing ability has been impaired.

• Feeling dazed, stunned, or confused
• Difficulty concentrating or focusing
• Memory problems (amnesia about the accident itself, or trouble remembering new information)
• Answering questions slowly
• Simply not “feeling right”

3. Emotional Symptoms

A concussion can have a significant impact on your mood and emotional regulation.

• Irritability or being easily angered
• Increased sadness or anxiety
• Feeling more emotional or nervous than usual
• Sudden mood swings

4. Sleep-Related Symptoms

The injury can disrupt your normal sleep patterns.

• Sleeping more than usual
• Sleeping less than usual
• Difficulty falling asleep (insomnia)

Why You Must Take These Symptoms Seriously

A concussion is a brain injury. While most are mild and resolve with rest, ignoring the injury by trying to “tough it out” can lead to a longer and more difficult recovery. Continuing with normal activities can worsen the symptoms and put you at risk for a more severe “second impact syndrome” if you were to suffer another jolt to the head.

From a legal perspective, a prompt medical diagnosis is crucial. A concussion is a very real and significant injury that is a key part of your personal injury claim. You are entitled to compensation for the medical treatment, time off work, and the emotional and cognitive difficulties it causes. A formal diagnosis in your medical records creates the undeniable link between the accident and your brain injury, which is necessary to prove your damages to the insurance company.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms after a car accident in the Tacoma area, your immediate priority is to go to an urgent care clinic or emergency room for a medical evaluation. Once you have a diagnosis, you may need help navigating your claim. Search the Car Accident Lawyer Directory Tacoma to find and compare trusted local attorneys who understand the serious nature of traumatic brain injuries and can fight for the full compensation you need to recover.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Concussion Signs and Symptoms:The official and most comprehensive public health resource on identifying the symptoms of a concussion, categorized for easy understanding.

  https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/basics/concussion_symptoms.html

• Mayo Clinic – “Concussion”:An authoritative medical guide from a leading hospital that provides a detailed overview of concussion symptoms, causes, and when to seek medical attention.

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/concussion/symptoms-causes/syc-20355594

• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) – Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI):A division of the NIH providing in-depth information on TBI, including the mechanisms and long-term effects of concussion.

  https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi