It is possible to suffer many types of injuries in a car accident, and concussions are one of the most common.
Should you suspect a head injury, it is critical for you to receive immediate medical treatment. Neglecting to do so could result in additional injury or death.
Identifying a concussion
The following are a handful of common signs and symptoms of a concussion:
- Blurry vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Loss of consciousness
Keep in mind that concussion symptoms do not always become present immediately. As a result, you may still want to check for an injury with a medical professional even if you are feeling okay immediately after hitting your head.
Your medical team can run a variety of tests to determine if you have a concussion and/or another type of brain injury. These include but are not always limited to:
- CT scan
Also, depending on your symptoms and comfort level, your doctor may suggest an overnight stay in the hospital for observation. This gives professionals the opportunity to monitor your condition and make changes to your treatment as necessary.
If you receive a concussion diagnosis, follow the advice and guidance of your medical team. Doing so improves your likelihood of making a full recovery without any long-term complications.
Potential complications include:
- Post-concussion syndrome
- Post-traumatic headaches
- Post-traumatic vertigo
- Second impact syndrome
It is important that you do not return to full activity until your doctor gives you the go-ahead. Doing so often increases your risk of one of these complications.
Can you treat a concussion at home?
Treating a concussion at home is not recommended, as only a medical professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
You may assume rest is all you need to recover, but this does not always hold true. This is especially the case if you have other injuries, such as a skull fracture or brain bleed.
Any type of brain injury is serious, and a concussion fits the mold. Should you find yourself dealing with this injury after a motor vehicle accident, consult with an experienced attorney to learn more about your legal rights for obtaining compensation from the negligent party.