Concussions have been in the news quite a bit lately, but many of those discussions have revolved around sports injuries. However, automobile accidents can just as easily cause a concussion and may be more common than you think.
A concussion is classified as a traumatic brain injury and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that over 14 percent of all concussions sustained in the United States are due to car accidents. This makes concussions the third most common injury that can be sustained by a car accident.
Concussions have been known to leave victims with substantial cognitive and physical problems which can affect a person from going to work or even living independently on their own.
If you have been in a motor vehicle accident, you may not immediately know you have suffered a concussion. Sometimes symptoms start well after an accident. If you are experiencing any of the following, you should see a medical professional immediately.
Did you lose consciousness? – At the time of the accident, a sudden jolt to your head by hitting the steering wheel or dashboard may have caused you to lose consciousness. If this happened to you, even if it was for a few seconds, your brain has suffered a trauma.
You are nauseous – One of the most certain signs of a concussion is feeling nauseous. This can be brought on by feeling dizzy or sensitivity to light. While dealing with the nausea you may experience bouts of vomiting.
Confusion and amnesia – It could be a few days after your accident to realize you are not recalling certain things, but concussions can make you easily forget common items. You may even be confused about dates or special events. Another symptom you may find is having a difficult time concentrating.
Fatigue and disrupted sleep patterns – You may experience a general feeling of fatigue where you may not be motivated for even simple tasks. A concussion can also give you trouble falling or staying asleep.
Mood changes – If you find yourself going from angry to nervous or anxious to irritable for no apparent reason, it could be a sign of a concussion.
Headaches – Harsh headaches that can be accompanied by blurred or fuzzy vision is one of the most common symptoms of a concussion.
Seizures -Seizures can happen because the brain has been traumatized in some way.
After a car accident you may be feeling rattled and dis-oriented. You may confuse those feelings as a by-product of being in an accident. Blows to the head that cause concussions can happen even when there is no visible blood or if you are coherent immediately after the accident. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, contact a doctor immediately and speak with an attorney who may be able to assist you with your situation.