As the victim of a car accident, you must monitor your body carefully for signs of injury in the moments, days, and weeks following the incident. Not all injuries manifest right away, so it can be challenging to know how to treat certain conditions when it is nearly impossible to track the symptoms. This is especially difficult when you are unfamiliar with said symptoms or don’t know what to expect in terms of pain or changes in behavior, for example. One of the most common injuries that cause such confusion in victims is a concussion. If you have been involved in a car accident, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of a concussion and what to do once you become aware of your condition.
Concussions are some of the most common injuries to befall the victims of auto collisions. This is not an injury that can be ignored or one that you can “wait out.” So, once you observe any of the symptoms below, you must get medical assistance right away. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) resulting from your brain colliding with the inside of your skill due to an impact to the head or a forceful movement that made the head and brain move back and forth extremely rapidly. Symptoms of such an injury include:
- This can emerge within a variety of timelines. For some, this symptom arises immediately, while others experience it after a full week after the incident. The headaches or migraines can persist for months, so it is imperative that you get treatment early on to eliminate as much pain as possible before too long.
- Difficulty sleeping. Insomnia is one of the most common symptoms of a concussion. However, you might also fall on the opposite end of the spectrum, wherein you are sleeping excessively. The highly subjective nature of this symptom requires the guidance of a medical professional.
- Mood swings. Although most people do not expect such a consequence from a concussion, this is a trademark characteristic of TBIs. Even a concussion can result in changes to your mood and personality, so if you do not recognize yourself and your normal behaviors and patterns, this may be indicative that you need urgent medical attention.
- Slurred speech. This symptom is most likely to emerge much more quickly than others. However, it can arise later on as the concussion worsens. If you are having trouble speaking or others are having issues understanding you, have someone contact a physician to treat you immediately.
Additional symptoms of this injury include unusual sensitivity to light and nausea.
What to Do If You Got a Concussion from a Car Accident
The best thing you could do following any car accident, whether you are fully aware of your injuries or not, is to contact a medical professional. Immediate medical assistance will prevent your condition from worsening and shorten your recovery time. This is especially important if you were not at-fault since you are entitled to compensation to fund a swift, stress-free healing period following your accident. Once your injuries have been attended to, contact an expert injury attorney to help you follow through with your injury claim and get the compensation you deserve.