Car Crashes and Concussions

Concussions are common results of car crashes and can have significant impacts on your health and daily life. Understanding the nature of concussions, their symptoms, and the steps for diagnosis and treatment is crucial for those involved in a car accident.

What is a concussion, and how can a car crash cause one?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury, or mTBI. The American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine says, “A patient with mild traumatic brain injury is a person who has had a traumatically induced physiological disruption of brain function,” which can include:

1. the head being struck,
2. the head striking an object, and
3. the brain undergoing an acceleration/deceleration movement without direct external trauma to the head.

During a car accident, a person’s head may forcefully hit the steering wheel, dashboard, windshield, or any other item inside the vehicle, resulting in a concussion. When this happens, the cells can become stretched, torn, damaged, and severed. But it is also possible that a person can sustain a concussion even if his or her head hits nothing: the movement of the brain within the skull – movement caused by the impact of the collision, no matter the severity of the crash – can be enough to cause a life-changing brain injury even without a blow to the head

Signs and symptoms that may indicate that you have a concussion

After being injured in a car accident, keep a look out for any signs or symptoms of a concussion. Some symptoms may appear immediately, while some may not show up for days or weeks. Therefore, regardless of whether you see any signs or symptoms of a concussion, you should visit a licensed healthcare provider immediately after the car crash to rule out traumatic brain injuries. In addition, if you had a young passenger in the car with you, it is important to know that symptoms of a concussion can vary based on age. Below, we will go over some of the signs and symptoms of a concussion.

Signs and symptoms of concussions in minors or young children:

• Fatigue or frequent tiredness
• Crankiness or irritability
• Excessive crying
• Changes in eating or sleeping habits
• Lack of interest in activities or toys
• Dazed or confused appearance
• Difficulty Balancing
• Changes in walking or crawling
• Vomiting

Signs and symptoms of concussions in adults:

• Severe and recurring headaches
• Ringing in the ears
• Nausea or vomiting
• Extremely tiredness or drowsiness
• Vision issues
• Confusion
• Memory problems
• Dizziness
• Trouble speaking or communicating
• Difficulty focusing or concentrating
• Mood swings
• Light or noise sensitivity
• Trouble sleeping
• Sudden depression or anxiety
• Changes in senses such as smell and taste

How are concussions diagnosed?

To diagnose a concussion, visit a hospital or your primary care doctor. They will conduct:

• A neurological exam: A neurological exam consists of answering several questions as well as the doctor looking at various parts of your body. For example, they may check your vision, hearing, reflexes, coordination, balance, and strength, which can all be impacted by a concussion.
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests can provide the doctor with an up-close look of your brain and injuries. Therefore, some of the imaging tests that you may need to complete are a CT scan, X-ray, and an MRI scan.
• Cognitive tests: Cognitive tests give the healthcare provider an idea of whether your thinking skills have been affected. These tests will evaluate your memory, focus and concentration, communication, and more.

If you or your child are diagnosed with a concussion, the doctor will likely request that you stay overnight in a hospital for observation. If you are allowed to go home, they may suggest that you schedule multiple follow-up appointments for close monitoring of your symptoms. Sometimes, it is even recommended to have a caregiver stay with you for 24 hours per day.

What protocols are in place for people who have concussions?

There are specific protocols in place for people who have concussions. This helps them manage their symptoms, learn how to live their life again, and get back on track after their concussion diagnosis. Here are the protocols in place for people who have concussions:

• Get ample rest.
• Avoid strenuous work or physical exercise.
• Limit electronics and screen time.
• Gradually reintroduce physical activity, starting with light exercises such as short walks.
• After getting used to physical activity and your symptoms continue to decrease, you can engage in light aerobic exercises to increase your heart rate. For example, you may be able to go for a longer walk, swim, ride a bike, or use a treadmill for 20 minutes.

If your child has a concussion, here is the protocol:

• Limit physical activity and avoid sports until cleared by a medical provider.
• Allow light physical activity like walking.
• Do not give them any Ibuprofen or Aspirin at least for the first day. Only Tylenol or acetaminophen should be taken.
• Limit screen time, especially in the initial days.
• Use ice packs for pain relief.
• Ensure balanced diet, adequate hydration, and regular sleep.

Can I file a claim for a concussion that resulted from a Phoenix car accident?

Yes, you can file a claim for a concussion that resulted from a car accident. A mild traumatic brain injury (concussion) can permanently devastate someone’s life. Fortunately, most people do make a complete recovery from a single concussive event either in days or months. But a significant percentage of the minority is left with a variety of symptoms that can limit or eliminate their ability to work or manage family relationships as they did before the injury.

However, these types of cases can be complex, which is why you want to work with a Phoenix car accident attorney. At Plattner Verderame, P.C., we answer any of your questions and concerns, and fight for the compensation you need to cover your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering. For your claim to be successful, we must prove that the at-fault party’s negligence directly caused your accident, which resulted in your concussion. Let us help you do that.

The Phoenix car accident lawyers at Plattner Verderame, P.C. know and understand the difficulties and challenges that come with concussions and other traumatic brain injuries. We will file a claim on your behalf, communicate with the insurance companies, collect supportive evidence, and fight for your right to the compensation you deserve. All you have to do is focus on your health and recovery. Call our office or submit our contact form to schedule a free consultation at our Phoenix or Tempe office today.