Recognizing Concussion Signs After a Car Crash

The shock of a car crash can be overwhelming. The resulting injuries can be devastating, particularly concussions. Recently, there has been an increasing awareness of concussion injuries and their consequences. It is crucial to identify the signs of a concussion as soon as possible after a motor vehicle collision.

A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) which is caused by a sudden acceleration of the head and neck resulting from a blow or contact to the body.

This is a type of injury to the brain that is commonly associated with sporting activities, falls, and workplace accidents; they can also occur as a result of a car crash.

All concussions are considered mTBIs however, not all mTBIs are considered concussions. mTBIs can occur without a blow or contact to the body in the form of damage to the brain caused by illness, oxygen deprivation or stroke.

Concussions can have wide-ranging significant short and long-term effects on well-being and health. Recognizing the signs of a concussion after a car crash is crucial as timely and proper medical care can greatly influence recovery outcomes.

A concussion occurs when a sudden direct or indirect external force causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull. This rapid movement can cause chemical changes in the brain and can also damage brain cells.

A direct hit to the head is not necessary to cause a concussion. Concussions can also occur due to the whiplash effect commonly associated with being involved in a car crash. A loss of consciousness is not a prerequisite to diagnosing a concussion; a loss of consciousness may or may not occur after a concussion.

A concussion may resolve on its own accord after a short period of time.  Medical literature indicates that concussion symptoms typically resolve within 7-10 days. Many who suffer concussions do not fully recover and can develop post-concussion syndrome (PCS) which can involve any combination of the signs and symptoms set out below.

Concussions are unique injuries in that they can sometimes be tricky to identify. A concussion’s common signs and symptoms can be subtle and may not show up immediately after a collision. The signs can be physical and/or psychological.

This can be complicated by the reality that car accident victims may be preoccupied by other more obvious injuries such as fractures, lacerations etc.

Although a medical doctor or nurse practitioner must make the formal diagnosis of a concussion, there are several tools used to identify suspected concussions.

This includes the Canadian Guideline on Concussion In Sport, and, Rowan’s Law, which was introduced in 2018. Rowan’s Law makes it mandatory for schools, sports organizations and healthcare providers to follow specific requirements in circumstances where there is a suspected or confirmed concussion. It is named after a student rugby player who unfortunately passed away following multiple concussion injuries.

The protocols are designed to provide guidance for non medically trained individuals to recognize signs of a concussion. The protocols are neatly summarized in a useful document entitled Concussion Recognition Tool 6 which is used by various sporting bodies worldwide.

The first step involves determining whether there are any “Red Flag Symptoms”. These are symptoms that indicate a more severe head or spine injury which requires immediate urgent action.

These include but are not limited to a loss of consciousness, blurry vision or a loss of vision, convulsions or seizure, worsening headaches, repeated vomiting, neck pain, or a visible deformity to the skull. If any of these symptoms are identified, urgent medical care should be sought. 

If there are no Red Flag Symptoms, a possible concussion should be considered if any one or more of the following are identified:

1. Headache or Pressure in the Head
   A common sign of a concussion is a continuous headache or sensation of pressure in the head. The severity of discomfort may vary from mild to severe and can get worse with physical or mental exertion.

2. Confusion or Mental Fog
   Those suffering from a concussion following an accident may have trouble thinking clearly, difficulty concentrating or feel confused. This mental “fog” or disorientation can interfere with your ability to make decisions or perform your normal activities of daily living.

3. Sensitivity to Noise and Light
   Feeling increased sensitivity to noise (phonophobia) and light (photophobia) are typical concussion symptoms. You may experience feeling overwhelmed by everyday noises or squinting in normal lighting.

4. Issues with Balance and Dizziness
   Unsteadiness on the feet or a sense of vertigo can be indicative of a concussion. Difficulties with coordination or uncharacteristically slow movement can also be a sign.

5. Nausea and Vomiting
   Experiencing nausea and vomiting in the hours or days following a collision can be a sign of a concussion.

6. Sleep Disturbance
   Concussions can disturb your sleep patterns. You may have trouble falling asleep, feeling drowsy during the day, or sleeping more than usual.

7. Visual Disturbances
   Concussions can cause a host of visual issues, including blurred vision, double vision, difficulty focusing and other visual problems.

8. Mood Changes
   Concussions can be associated with unusual irritability, rapid mood swings, sadness, nervousness, anxiety and depression.

9. Memory Problems
   Short-term memory problems are typically associated with concussions. This can involve difficulty remembering recent events or challenges in retaining new information.

10. Ringing in the Ears
    Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) is also a common symptom of concussions.

Ringing in the ears, also known as tinnitus, is commonly associated with a concussion.

If you have been in a car crash and suspect a concussion, you should visit an emergency department or your family doctor as soon as possible.

It is worth noting that concussions and their long-term effects are an area of ongoing study. Medical research has identified strong ties between concussions and the development of mental and behavioural disorders as well as the development of neurodegenerative diseases like dementia and chronic traumatic encephalopathy later in life.

Therefore, recognizing a concussion after a car accident as soon as possible following a collision is crucial for ensuring proper care and optimal recovery. 

If you or someone you care about has suffered a concussion in a motor vehicle collision, Preszler Injury Lawyers can help. Call us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation so we can learn more about your accident and provide you with the assistance you need.