When to See a Doctor After Head Trauma from a Car Accident
Car accidents can cause many different types of injuries to drivers and passengers. One of the most common is concussion. Crashes, no matter how they happen, can put a tremendous amount of force on the body and the head. They can cause the head and neck to violently thrash forward and back. It is also possible for the head to slam against a window or other object.
It is important to see a doctor after a car accident, even if you do not believe you suffered injuries. Some injuries take hours to days for symptoms to show up. During this time, if you are unaware of the physical bodily harm that you sustained, you could engage in different activities that can exacerbate your injuries and you may unknowingly make them worse.
Concussions are one of those injuries that do not always immediately present symptoms. As a result, you could have experienced a concussion after your crash but you may not know right away. It could take time before you begin to feel the symptoms.
Any time your head is impacted, it is essential not to delay in seeing a doctor. A doctor can assess your condition and properly diagnose you if it turns out that you have a concussion. Then, a doctor can give you a plan and treatment that can help you recover. A concussion is just like any other injury in that, the sooner you are diagnosed and treated the better the outlook is for recovery. Despite some injuries never fully healing, when you get the care you need for your harm and you follow your doctor’s orders you may not only heal faster but also improve your chances of getting as close to full recovery as possible.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that concussions are very serious injuries. Even mild ones should not be taken lightly. And, every year there are around 1.7 million people in the U.S. that sustain a concussion.
Identifying the Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion
Even though it is best to see a doctor for a formal diagnosis of a concussion, it can also be helpful to be familiar with the signs and symptoms that can come with a concussion.
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Issues with balance
- Nausea
- Intense confusion or feeling disoriented
- Memory problems
- Sight problems
- Heightened sensitivity to stimuli like light and noise
- Inability to speak clearly and communicate slurred speech
- Inability to concentrate
- Vomiting
- Unusual lethargy and fatigue
- Problems sleeping
When you see a doctor, they may perform certain tests to identify the possibility that you sustained a concussion. Some of these would be CT scans, X-rays, or MRIs.
Call the Putnam Law Office Today
When a negligent driver caused your car accident and you suffered injuries like a concussion, then you may be able to have the medical expenses and the pain and suffering you experienced, among other damages, compensated.
For assistance with a car accident claim in Oklahoma, please call an Oklahoma City personal injury attorney at the Putnam Law Office today to schedule a free consultation today at (405) 849-9149.
