Your collision with another vehicle may have happened so quickly that you do not recall hitting your head against the back of your car seat, the steering wheel, or the side window. Plus, your airbag may not have deployed, leading you to believe the impact was not super severe. Overall, you may write off the possibility of having a concussion. However, we strongly advise that you seek a professional opinion to get this confirmation. That said, please follow along to find out the possible signs of a concussion after an accident and how a proficient Panama City car accident attorney at Manuel & Thompson, PA, can help you get the right treatment for it.

What are the signs of a concussion after an auto accident?

You may not feel like yourself after being involved in an event as traumatic as an auto accident. But you should not assume you can shake off this feeling with time. Rather, you must take possible signs and symptoms of a concussion seriously. They read as follows:

  • Dizziness and loss of balance.
  • Chronic nausea and vomiting.
  • Sensitivity to light and sound.
  • Headache and blurred vision.
  • Fatigue, yet trouble with sleeping.
  • Irritability, mood swings, and personality changes.
  • Difficulty concentrating, communicating, or recalling events.

What medical attention do I need to identify a concussion?

Preliminary medical attention for a possible concussion may entail a clinical assessment. Here, a doctor may check your balance and coordination, sensation and reflexes, eye movements, and hearing ability. They may go on to test your memory, concentration, and other cognitive skills.

Afterward, this doctor may order you to undergo imaging testing to be certain of what they will diagnose you with. This may involve a CT scan that offers a closer look at possible bleeding, skull fractures, and other structural damage. Also, an MRI scan, which is a more detailed image of how a concussion might be affecting your brain.

Last but not least, for safe measure, the doctor may ask you to get bloodwork done. These blood tests may spot whether certain proteins have been released into your blood. If so, this may indicate a brain bleed. All of this is important to identify your concussion properly. But even more so, a more traumatic brain injury that may require an emergency invasive surgical treatment, or otherwise.

With all this in mind, it is in your best interest to seek medical attention immediately following your auto accident. Again, this should be done regardless of whether or not your head feels fine afterwards. This is not only for the sake of your potential future personal injury claim, but for your physical health and well-being.

We understand that you must be eager to start this process. So, without further delay, please schedule your initial consultation with a talented Panama City auto accident attorney from Manuel & Thompson, PA today.