Concussion After a Crash: Symptoms Can Start Late

Quick answer: Get medical care first. A concussion is a type of brain injury, and MedlinePlus lists car accidents among its causes. Its symptoms may not start right away; they may start days or weeks after the injury, and they may include a headache or neck pain. Serious symptoms, such as confusion, repeated vomiting, slurred speech or a headache that gets worse and does not go away, need medical care. If you were in a crash in Littleton and something feels off days later, don’t wait it out.

Get medical care first: which symptoms are serious?

MedlinePlus says to consult your health care professional if any of your symptoms get worse, or if you have more serious symptoms. This table puts its two lists side by side:

Symptom	Where MedlinePlus lists it	What to do
Headache or neck pain	Possible concussion symptoms	Tell a health care professional, and again if it gets worse
Nausea, ringing in your ears, dizziness or tiredness	Possible concussion symptoms	Tell a health care professional, and again if it gets worse
Feeling dazed or not your normal self	Possible concussion symptoms	Tell a health care professional, and again if it gets worse
Convulsions or seizures	More serious symptoms	Get medical care
Drowsiness or inability to wake up	More serious symptoms	Get medical care
A headache that gets worse and does not go away	More serious symptoms	Get medical care
Weakness, numbness or decreased coordination	More serious symptoms	Get medical care
Repeated vomiting or nausea	More serious symptoms	Get medical care
Confusion or slurred speech	More serious symptoms	Get medical care
Loss of consciousness	More serious symptoms	Get medical care

MedlinePlus’s emergency guide says to call 911 for a head injury with passing out, fainting or confusion. If you are not sure, go to the emergency department or call 911. A chiropractor’s office isn’t where you start with these.

What is a concussion?

MedlinePlus says a concussion “is a type of brain injury” that involves a short loss of normal brain function. It happens when a hit to the head or body causes your head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. That sudden movement can create chemical changes in the brain, and sometimes it can stretch and damage brain cells.

MedlinePlus also says that sometimes people call a concussion a “mild” brain injury, but that while concussions may not be life-threatening, they can still be serious.

Note the phrase “head or body.” That’s why it’s worth mentioning any crash to a health care professional, even if you don’t remember your head hitting anything.

Can symptoms really start that late?

MedlinePlus is clear that they can: “Symptoms of a concussion may not start right away; they may start days or weeks after the injury.”

It also says you may feel dazed or not your normal self for several days or weeks after the injury.

What that means for you in practice is simple. Feeling fine at the scene doesn’t settle it. A crash on Monday can still be the reason for a headache on Friday. So keep the crash in mind for the next few weeks, and tell whoever you see about it.

What should I watch for in the weeks after a crash?

A plain note on your phone is enough. Write down:

• the date of the crash, and whether you hit your head or felt dazed
• any headache or neck pain, and when it started
• nausea, ringing in your ears, dizziness or tiredness
• anything that feels different from your normal self
• anything that gets worse

Neck pain is on the concussion list, and it’s also common after a crash for other reasons. MedlinePlus says falls or accidents, including car accidents, are a common cause of neck pain. Read about whiplash and neck pain after a crash, and don’t assume which one you have.

How is a concussion diagnosed?

MedlinePlus says your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask about your injury. You will most likely have a neurological exam, which checks your vision, balance, coordination and reflexes. Your provider may also evaluate your memory and thinking. In some cases you may also have a scan of the brain, such as a CT scan or an MRI, which can check for bleeding or inflammation in the brain, as well as a skull fracture.

How long does recovery take?

MedlinePlus says most people recover fully after a concussion, but it can take some time. It says rest is very important because it helps the brain to heal. In the very beginning, you may need to limit physical activities or activities that involve a lot of concentration, such as studying, working on the computer or playing video games, because these may cause symptoms to come back or get worse. Then when your health care provider says it is OK, you can start to return to your normal activities slowly.

Where does a chiropractor fit in?

Not at the front of the line. If you may have a concussion, see a health care professional about it, and follow the guidance above if you have any of the serious symptoms.

Once that has been looked at, the rest of your injuries still need attention. Crashes also cause neck pain and back pain, and that’s where car accident and whiplash care comes in. Tell Dr. Spallone about any head injury, dizziness or dazed feeling, and tell him if it gets worse. You can read about him on his About page.

What about the bills?

Check your own auto policy. The Colorado Division of Insurance says medical payments coverage of $5,000 is included in your policy unless you reject it, and that it pays regardless of fault. This is general information and not legal or insurance advice.

If you have questions about an injury from a crash and it isn’t an emergency, call (303) 980-5699 or contact the office.