Post-accident concussions: why they happen and how to treat them

On Behalf of | Sep 27, 2023 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

The last thing most adults think about while driving is an automobile accident. Unfortunately, car crashes happen every day in Georgia. After severe accidents, injuries such as concussions are common. A concussion occurs when sudden head movement causes your brain to hit the inside of your skull.

Common symptoms of concussions

A concussion can range in severity, as do the symptoms of this injury. People also recover from concussions at different rates. When motor vehicle accidents result in concussions, symptoms of this injury can include:

  • Sleeping difficulties (not sleeping enough or sleeping too much)
  • Headaches
  • Feeling exhausted
  • Memory problems
  • Mood swings
  • Blurred vision
  • Nausea

Treating concussions

The most often advised concussion treatment is getting rest. Resting lets your brain begin the process of healing damage caused by concussions. When you visit your doctor, this person can give you a more exact timeline. But lots of rest during the first few days of recovery is almost always necessary.

With headaches being a common concussion symptom, doctors typically recommend over-the-counter pain medication to help manage pain. They won’t recommend ibuprofen as it can increase the risk of bleeding, which is dangerous for concussion victims.

After several days, most people who survived concussions can begin a gradual return to daily life. As you continue attending follow-up visits with a medical specialist, you’ll better understand when to go back to work, drive and other activities.

It’s understandably concerning to hear you have a concussion. Fortunately, these injuries tend to heal in time. A concussion’s side effects typically last about two weeks for adults and up to a month for people under 18.