A concussion, also called a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), is one of the more common injuries you may sustain in a car accident. While some concussions are minor and cause relatively few problems, others can be quite debilitating and may cause long-term issues. Concussions, like any head injury, are serious. A doctor should monitor them closely.
Signs of a Head Injury After a Car Accident
A concussion is a brain injury that can occur any time you hit your head, or even from whiplash. The symptoms of a concussion may be immediate or could develop up to several weeks after your car accident. Seek medical treatment if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Confusion
- Memory problems
- Sleepiness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Blurred or double vision
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Nausea or vomiting
- Losing consciousness
It can be difficult to detect the signs of a concussion in young children because they are not always able to communicate what they are experiencing. See a doctor right away if your child got in a car accident and shows any of the following symptoms:
- Extreme drowsiness
- Excessive crying or irritability
- Slurred speech
- Strange behavior
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Vision or balance difficulties
- Delayed reactions
Long-Term Effects of Concussions
Most concussion symptoms will dissipate within a few days. However, a serious concussion can hang around for months, continuing to cause headaches, dizziness, and confusion. Some people may suffer long-term physical, cognitive, and emotional changes. Concussions can be particularly dangerous if you have suffered a previous concussion or another head injury. Subsequent concussions are more likely to cause permanent brain damage.
Treating and Managing a Concussion
Acetaminophen may be helpful for lingering concussion headaches but avoid ibuprofen and aspirin. Your doctor may also prescribe other medications for pain and nausea. Do not consume alcohol during your recovery period. As always, follow your doctor’s orders closely and ask before making changes or beginning a new treatment.
You will want to avoid activities that involve concentration and problem-solving. For this reason, your doctor may recommend you take time off from work or school. As you recover, you should slowly and gradually increase the amount of “mental work” you are doing. This includes “easy” tasks like reading, texting, and playing games. When you return to work or school, remember to take frequent breaks. Try to find a quiet place to lay your head down and nap if possible.
Get in Touch with a Long Beach Personal Injury Attorney
If you or a loved faces a head injury after a car accident, contact the Beliz Law Firm in Long Beach, California for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. Call us anytime at (562) 452-3772.
Michael A. Beliz, Esq., established The Beliz Law Firm in the spring of 2011. Michael has been a practicing attorney since 2006 and worked for two of the most prominent plaintiff’s personal injury law firms in Southern California. He has worked on and handled hundreds of cases as an attorney in all types of personal injury cases, including vehicle accidents, pedestrian accidents and dog bites, and successfully recovered millions of dollars for his clients.
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