Recognizing Concussion Symptoms After a Crash

 Even when a car crash leaves no obvious physical damage, the real harm can be invisible — deep inside your head. A concussion is among the most common injuries after vehicle collisions, and it can occur even in seemingly minor impacts. 

A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when the brain is suddenly jolted and strikes the inside of the skull. In car crashes, this can happen in several ways:

• Hitting your head against a hard surface like the steering wheel, window, or airbag
   
• Experiencing rapid back-and-forth motion (such as whiplash), even without direct contact
   
• Being struck in the head by objects inside the vehicle
   

You don't have to lose consciousness to suffer a concussion.

Symptoms can start immediately or develop gradually over several hours or days. Watch for:

• Ongoing headache or a feeling of pressure in the skull
   
• Problems with balance or feeling dizzy
   
• Nausea or vomiting
   
• Blurred vision or increased sensitivity to bright lights
   
• Trouble focusing or feeling confused
   
• Extreme tiredness or sluggishness
   
• Slurred speech or slow reactions
   

Some effects may not be obvious right away and are often dismissed. These can include:

• Gaps in memory, such as forgetting what happened during or after the accident
   
• Emotional changes like irritability, sadness, or anxiety
   
• Disrupted sleep patterns, including insomnia or oversleeping
   
• A general sense of mental “cloudiness” or fog
   

These issues may seem like stress but could actually indicate brain trauma.

Leaving a concussion untreated can lead to more serious complications, such as:

• Long-term issues with memory, focus, or mental clarity
   
• Increased risk of worse outcomes from future head injuries
   
• Post-concussion syndrome, where symptoms linger for weeks or months
   

A healthcare provider can evaluate you through exams or imaging tests to confirm the injury and recommend appropriate care.

• Get checked out by a medical professional right away — don’t wait
   
• Avoid driving or using heavy machinery until a doctor says it’s safe
   
• Follow your treatment plan closely, including rest and activity limits
   
• Keep a written record of your symptoms, which can support your legal or insurance claim