Symptoms of a Concussion After a Virginia Car Accident

People who have been involved in a car crash may suffer a bewildering range of injuries. A mild traumatic brain injury, also known as a concussion, is not always simple to diagnose. Symptoms may not be apparent at the time of the crash if you are in shock. However, there are some symptoms of a concussion after a Virginia car accident that you should look out for.

A doctor may diagnose “post-concussion syndrome,” or traumatic brain injury. Sometimes in the absence of a diagnosis, the driver or passenger who was involved in the wreck may not feel right.

In some cases, the symptoms may be severe. However, people who have suffered a concussion may have more insidious symptoms; they might be irritable and are not sleeping well. They are not themselves.

Main Symptoms of a Concussion After a Virginia Car Accident

• Loss of consciousness however brief;
• Ongoing headaches;
• Little or no recollection of the accident itself;
• Ringing in the ears;
• Nausea;
• Vomiting;
• Forgetfulness;
• Slurred speech;

As soon as you experience these symptoms, you should see a doctor. If you delay treatment, the insurance company for the at-fault motorist will argue your condition is not serious. Aim to see a doctor within two days of a car crash in which you believe you suffered a head injury.

There are also some secondary signs of a concussion after a car, truck or motorcycle accident that you should be cognizant of.

Secondary Signs of a Concussion After a Virginia Car Accident

• Irritability;
• Problems concentrating;
• Changes in personality;
• Sensitivity to light;
• Smell disorders;
• Taste disorders;
• Difficulty getting a good night’s sleep.

In the past, the seriousness of concussions was downplayed. People were urged to get on with their lives and athletes were told to play on. Recent research found this approach is dangerous. A subsequent blow to the head after a concussion can cause serious and irreversible brain injury.

A concussion is caused by a blow, bump, or jolt to the head that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This rapid movement may cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull. It can result in chemical changes in the brain and may stretch and damage brain cells.

Although a concussion is classified as a “mild traumatic brain injury,” this condition is serious, states Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A concussion may have a long-term impact. A recent study linked concussions to an increased risk of dementia.

It’s important to know the symptoms of a concussion after a Virginia car accident. Any type of head trauma may cause permanent damage to people who were hurt in an auto crash.

At Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers, we work with people who suffered head injuries in Hampton Roads traffic collisions and elsewhere in Virginia as well as northeastern North Carolina. You may also have suffered a concussion on the sports field or in a fall. Call us today for a free consultation at (757) 455-0077.

To learn more about head injuries following Virginia car accidents, view our infographic.

Griff O’Hanlon