Treatment of Concussions After a Car Accident

09 Jun Treatment of Concussions After a Car Accident

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), car accidents are a leading cause of concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBI). People who demonstrate or report that they just “don’t feel right” in the head after a car accident, blow, bump, or jolt to the head or a close area of the body may have a concussion or a related brain injury. However, what exactly is a concussion, and what signs and symptoms should you expect to see? In this article, we discuss that and much more.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that’s caused by a sudden blow or bump to the head or through an accident that occasionally results in loss of consciousness.

The American Association of Neurological Surgeons defines a concussion as “a clinical syndrome characterized by immediate and transient alteration in brain function, including alteration of mental status or level of consciousness that results from mechanical force or trauma.”

The brain is such an essential organ that it’s protected by the skull and surrounded by spinal fluid that affords it a cushioning effect to prevent any form of shock and injury that may occur. Irrespective of this, the brain is positioned in a closed space where an abrupt blow to the head or a traumatic injury can cause bleeding, bruising, swelling, damage to the blood vessels, or a form of temporary chemical changes that can lead to impairment of brain function.

What Causes a Concussion?

There are many possible causes of concussions, but the most common cause is head trauma. This can occur from a car accident, fall, or other types of impact to the head. Concussions can also occur without any direct blow to the head. This is more likely to happen in children and young adults, who have more flexible brains.

The brain can be injured by shaking or rotating the head. This type of concussion is called a “rotational” concussion. Concussions are usually caused by a direct blow to the head or by a sudden acceleration or deceleration of the head. These forces can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and damaging brain cells.

Symptoms of Concussions

While there are several signs and symptoms of a concussion that may present right after an accident, the five major symptoms include;

• Headaches that develop within a few hours or days,
• Vomiting and nausea. Vomiting typically occurs immediately after the accident, nausea on the other hand may develop a few hours after the incident.
• Dizziness or drowsiness consists of blurred vision, fatigue, lethargy, or general tiredness.
• Altered mental state which generally includes confusion, increased alertness, and disorientation which all cause a mental fog
• Post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) means a temporary loss of memory that can occur in which the person in question is unable to recollect events before or after the accident.

More serious symptoms may include slurred speech, confusion, seizures, and coma. Some people may experience only a few, while others may experience many. It is important to be aware of the symptoms so that if you or someone you know experiences a concussion, you can get help right away.

Treatment Options for Concussions

There are a variety of treatment options available for concussions, depending on the severity of the injury. For milder concussions, rest and over-the-counter pain medications may be all that are needed. More severe concussions may require more aggressive treatment, such as physical therapy or even surgery.

The most important thing is to follow your doctor’s instructions and to give yourself time to heal. Concussions characteristically heal completely within a few weeks. Professionals recommend seeking immediate medical attention within 1 to 3 days if symptoms get worse.

Colorado Accidents & Injuries specializes in chiropractic and physical therapy services, especially to accident and injury victims who desire to get a lasting solution to their pain. Contact us today for the fastest and best physical therapy in Colorado Springs. It’ll be our joy to be a part of your recovery and success story from your injuries.