A concussion happens when a bump, blow or force makes the brain move around inside the skull. It could cause brain cell damage, resulting in adverse side effects. It might sound like a severe condition. However, it is a common mild injury often experienced after minor car accidents.
In most cases, concussions are easy to diagnose because their symptoms could manifest immediately. However, it could be vague based on the circumstances. Sometimes, the patient could exhibit symptoms usually found with other health conditions, which could confuse doctors during diagnosis. Still, most concussions could improve within a few weeks of the incident. However, the patient might suffer from the following symptoms before recovering fully:
- Dizziness
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Balancing issues
- Fatigue and headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Vision issues
- Inability to focus or concentrate
- Mind fog and memory problems
- Anxiety and irritability
- Mood swings
- Sleeping issues
Unfortunately, these symptoms could appear later after sustaining the injury. These similarities could make concussions challenging to detect even if the patient receives medical care right after the crash.
Warning signs to watch out for
Despite being mild, concussions and their symptoms might conceal severe harm caused by the collision. Sometimes, the impact could cause blood clots to form against the skull, which could require urgent medical attention. If the patient experiences the following warning signs, seek emergency care immediately:
- Persistent headaches that do not improve
- Unusual numbness or weakness
- Coordination issues
- Convulsions or seizures
- Persistent vomiting long after the incident
- Speech problems and unusual mannerisms
- Agitation and confusion
- Inability to remain awake
- Uneven pupils in eyes
Additionally, individuals involved in a collision should be under observation to look out for these symptoms.
Receiving medical care after a minor crash
Some people might feel fine after a minor collision and pass on going to the hospital. However, it could be best to receive at least an examination to get ahead of any underlying injuries. Doing so could also help detect problems early and prescribe any necessary medication for concussion symptoms that might arise.
