Concussions from Car Accidents — More Common Than You Think
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head — or by forces that cause the brain to move rapidly within the skull. Auto accidents are one of the leading causes of concussions in the United States. Even without direct head impact, the violent deceleration forces in a collision can cause the brain to collide with the inside of the skull.
At Accident Care & Treatment Center in Oklahoma City, our physicians are trained in the diagnosis and management of post-concussion syndrome and traumatic brain injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents. We take head injuries seriously — even when symptoms seem minor — because untreated concussions can have lasting neurological consequences.
Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion After a Car Accident
Concussion symptoms can appear immediately or develop over hours to days following an accident. Because the brain controls virtually every function in your body, the symptom picture can be wide-ranging and confusing. Many patients — and even some healthcare providers — fail to recognize the signs.
Physical Symptoms
- Headache or feeling of pressure in the head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Blurry or double vision
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia) and sensitivity to noise (phonophobia)
- Fatigue and sleep disturbances (sleeping more than usual or inability to sleep)
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Cognitive Symptoms
- Feeling "foggy" or mentally slowed down
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering new information
- Memory gaps around the accident (retrograde or anterograde amnesia)
- Slowed reaction time
- Difficulty with word-finding or following conversations
Emotional and Behavioral Symptoms
- Irritability, mood swings, or emotional instability
- Anxiety or depression following the accident
- Personality changes noticed by family or friends
Seek emergency care immediately if you experience: loss of consciousness (even briefly), one pupil larger than the other, extreme drowsiness or inability to be awakened, repeated vomiting, seizures, slurred speech, or worsening headache. These may indicate a more serious brain injury.
Why Concussions After Car Accidents Are Often Missed
Concussions do not always show up on standard CT scans or MRIs, particularly in the acute phase. This leads many accident victims — and even emergency room physicians focused on ruling out hemorrhage — to be told their brain is "fine" when in reality they have a functional brain injury that requires medical management. A normal brain scan does not mean you have not sustained a concussion.
Additionally, the adrenaline rush that follows an accident can mask symptoms for hours. It is essential to be evaluated by a physician who specifically assesses for concussion using validated clinical tools, not just imaging.
Concussion Diagnosis at Accident Care & Treatment Center
Our concussion evaluation includes:
- Standardized concussion assessment (SCAT/ImPACT): Validated clinical tools to assess cognitive function, balance, and neurological status
- CT scan: To rule out intracranial hemorrhage, skull fracture, or other structural brain injuries
- MRI: For patients with persistent or unusual symptoms where structural abnormalities are suspected
- Neurological examination: Assessment of reflexes, eye movements, cranial nerve function, and coordination
- Vestibular and oculomotor testing: Evaluation of the balance and visual systems, which are commonly disrupted by concussion
Concussion Treatment and Recovery
Concussion management has evolved significantly in recent years. The outdated "rest in a dark room" approach has been replaced by evidence-based, active rehabilitation. Our treatment approach includes:
- Individualized return-to-activity protocols: Guided, graduated resumption of cognitive and physical activity based on symptom monitoring
- Vestibular rehabilitation: Targeted exercises to resolve dizziness, imbalance, and motion sensitivity
- Vision therapy: For patients with post-concussion visual disturbances including convergence insufficiency
- Cervical spine treatment: Concussions from car accidents are almost always accompanied by neck injury — treating the cervical component dramatically accelerates recovery
- Cognitive support strategies: Guidance on managing cognitive load during the recovery period
- Sleep management: Addressing the sleep disruption that commonly prolongs concussion recovery
- Medication management: When appropriate, medications to manage headache, sleep, or mood symptoms during recovery
- Referral coordination: For patients with complex or prolonged symptoms, we coordinate with neurologists, neuropsychologists, and other specialists
Post-Concussion Syndrome
When concussion symptoms persist beyond the typical recovery window (typically 1–3 months for adults), the condition is called post-concussion syndrome (PCS). Symptoms of PCS can include persistent headaches, cognitive difficulties, mood changes, sleep problems, and dizziness. PCS requires ongoing medical management and rehabilitation. Early, comprehensive treatment of the initial concussion is the best way to reduce the risk of developing PCS.
Insurance — No Up-Front Costs
We bill auto insurance directly for all concussion evaluation and treatment services. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage typically covers these costs in full. You focus on recovering — we handle the billing.
Get Evaluated Today
If you hit your head in a car accident, or if you are experiencing any of the symptoms described above, do not wait. Concussion symptoms can worsen if you continue your normal activities without proper evaluation and guidance. Same-day appointments are available.
Accident Care & Treatment Center
3209 NW Expressway, Oklahoma City, OK 73112
Phone: (405) 842-3209
Hours: Mon/Wed/Fri 8am–5pm | Tue/Thu 9am–6pm