Head injuries after a car accident can be unpredictable, and symptoms don’t always show up right away. In this post, we’ll clarify the different types of head injuries you may experience, how their severity is determined, and what you should do to protect your well-being.
Why Head Injuries Are Dangerous
The brain is delicate, and even a seemingly minor injury can lead to serious problems. While the skull offers some protection, it can’t prevent all damage, especially in high-impact motor vehicle crashes. Some head injuries heal on their own with rest, while others require emergency medical care. The challenge is recognizing when a head injury is mild and when it’s a medical emergency.
Head injuries typically fall into one of three categories: mild, moderate, or severe, with each one involving different common symptoms, risks, treatment needs, and impact on daily living. Below is an overview of each type so that you know what to look for.
Mild Head Injuries: When to Monitor, Not Panic
A mild head injury, commonly called a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), happens when a sudden jolt or impact disrupts normal brain function. Even though it’s the least severe type of head trauma, it should never be brushed off. Symptoms can be subtle at first but may worsen over time (especially if a secondary injury occurs), making early recognition key.
Examples of a mild traumatic brain injury include:
- Concussion: A temporary disruption in brain function caused by a sudden impact or jolt.
- Contusion (Mild Brain Bruise): Broken blood vessels cause small areas of bleeding on the brain’s surface from a direct blow to the head.
- Coup-Contrecoup Injury (Mild Case): When the brain moves inside the skull, causing minor bruising at the impact site and on the opposite side.
- Second Impact Syndrome: This occurs when a second concussion happens before the first one heals, leading to rapid brain swelling.
Symptoms of a mild head injury may include:
- Persistent headache or a feeling of pressure in the head
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness, confusion, or trouble concentrating
- Brief loss of consciousness (less than a minute) or a dazed feeling
- Nausea, sometimes without vomiting
- Increased sensitivity to light or noise
- Unusual fatigue or excessive drowsiness
- Bad taste in the mouth
Most minor head injuries improve with rest over a few days to weeks, but recovery isn’t always predictable. Some people experience lingering symptoms that affect their daily activities, like brain fog, irritability, or disrupted sleep after the initial injury.
If symptoms persist beyond two weeks or suddenly worsen, see a doctor to help rule out more serious complications.
Moderate Head Injuries: A Step Up in Concern
A moderate head injury happens when the brain has endured enough force to cause more serious symptoms and a longer recovery. Unlike a mild concussion, this level of traumatic injury often brings lingering effects that can interfere with daily life. Medical attention after the initial injury is necessary to rule out dangerous complications like internal bleeding or swelling, which can worsen if left untreated.
Examples of a moderate traumatic brain injury include:
- Moderate Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI): Stretching or tearing of nerve fibers due to rotational or sudden movement of the brain.
- Coup-Contrecoup Injury (Moderate Case): More significant bruising and swelling in multiple areas of the brain.
- Skull Fracture with Brain Injury: A break in the skull that leads to brain damage, but without penetrating the brain tissue.
- Intracranial Hematoma (Moderate Case): A regular buildup of blood within the brain or between the skull and brain tissue after the time of injury, which may require medical intervention.
Symptoms of a moderate head injury may include:
- Persistent or worsening headache that doesn’t fade after an extended period
- Loss of consciousness lasting more than a few minutes
- Double vision
- Repeated vomiting or ongoing nausea
- Slurred speech or trouble finding the right words
- Difficulty with balance, dizziness, or lack of coordination
- Problems concentrating, remembering details, or staying focused
- Mood swings, confusion, or unexplained irritability and poor impulse control
Because moderate head injuries affect brain function more intensely, doctors may order imaging tests like a CT scan or MRI to check for swelling, bruising, or internal bleeding. Recovery can take weeks or even months, depending on the severity and how quickly treatment begins. Rest, monitoring, and medical guidance are key to avoiding long-term effects.
Severe Head Injuries: A Medical Emergency
Severe head injuries are medical emergencies that require immediate attention. At this level, the brain has sustained significant trauma (usually due to intracranial injuries), which increases the risk of permanent damage or life-threatening complications. The faster emergency care is given after the time of injury, the better the chances of reducing long-term effects on daily living.
Examples of a severe traumatic brain injury include:
- Severe Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI): Widespread tearing of nerve fibers, often leading to coma or long-term brain damage.
- Penetrating Injury: When an object, such as a bullet or sharp debris, pierces the skull and damages brain tissue.
- Severe Intracranial Hematoma: Large blood clots in or around the brain, increasing intracranial pressure and risking fatal complications.
- Severe Brain Swelling (Edema): Swelling that puts extreme pressure on the brain, leading to loss of function or even brain death.
Symptoms of a severe head injury may include:
- Loss of consciousness lasting several minutes or longer
- Reduction in blood pressure due to secondary injury
- Seizures or uncontrollable convulsions
- Clear fluid leaking from the nose or ears (a sign of skull fracture)
- Unequal pupil size or trouble focusing the eyes
- Weakness, numbness, or paralysis in the arms or legs
- Deep confusion, agitation, or inability to respond appropriately
- Irregular breathing or a slowed heart rate
Severe brain trauma can lead to lasting cognitive impairment, disability, or death if not treated immediately in an intensive care unit. If someone shows these symptoms after an accident, call 911 and make sure they go to the emergency department right away. To prevent additional damage, do not move them unless they’re in immediate danger: stabilizing their head and neck until help arrives can prevent further injury.
How to Assess Your Head Injury After an Accident
After a motor vehicle accident, the initial shock can make it hard to focus, but it’s important to check yourself for signs of a head injury. You might feel rattled and on the verge of tears, but taking a few moments to assess your condition can help determine whether you need medical attention. Here’s what to do.
- Check If You Blacked Out: Try to recall what happened immediately before and after the impact. Did everything go dark for a few seconds? Are there gaps in your memory? If you lost consciousness, even briefly, it’s a sign your brain took a hit. A longer blackout is a red flag for a more serious injury.
- Test Your Awareness: Are you thinking clearly? Can you remember where you are, what day it is, or what just happened? If your thoughts feel foggy or you’re struggling to answer basic questions, that confusion could indicate a concussion or worse.
- Take Note Of Physical Symptoms: A headache might seem normal after a hit, but is it getting worse? Do you feel dizzy or nauseous? Trouble speaking, ringing in your ears, or a sensation of pressure in your skull are all signs your brain isn’t functioning normally.
- Check Your Balance: Stand up slowly. Are you steady on your feet? If you’re swaying, stumbling, or feel uncoordinated, your brain may have been affected. Sudden clumsiness or trouble walking means you should get checked out right away.
- Look for Visible Injuries: Gently feel around your head for swelling, cuts, or bruises. A lump or tender spot could mean you suffered a major impact. Bleeding from the scalp might seem a mild injury but can sometimes be linked to deeper trauma inside the skull.
- Monitor For Delayed Symptoms: Some brain injuries don’t show their full effects immediately. Over the next few hours, pay attention to symptoms like worsening headaches, increasing confusion, vomiting, or extreme drowsiness. If anything gets worse or new symptoms appear, seek medical care immediately.
Even if everything seems fine at first, traumatic brain injuries can be unpredictable. When in doubt, get checked out. It’s better to be overly cautious than to ignore a problem that could escalate.
When to See a Doctor
If you're unsure how serious a post-accident head injury is, don’t take chances: getting checked by a doctor is always the safest move. Even a mild concussion can have lasting effects if not properly managed after the time of injury. A medical professional can use screening tools, run neurological tests, or order imaging scans to rule out internal bleeding or swelling that isn’t immediately visible.
Seek medical attention if you notice:
- Worsening Symptoms: Instead of improving, your headache, dizziness, or confusion is getting more intense.
- Persistent Nausea or Vomiting: One episode of nausea might not be alarming, but repeated vomiting is a warning sign of a more severe brain injury.
- Extreme Drowsiness or Difficulty Waking Up: Feeling tired after a head injury is normal, but if you're struggling to stay awake or someone has trouble waking you, get help immediately.
- Severe or Persistent Headache: A headache that won’t go away or keeps intensifying could signal internal pressure in the brain.
- Mood or Personality Changes: Sudden irritability, unusual aggression, or emotional outbursts could indicate brain trauma.
- Loss of Function in the Limbs or Face: If you feel weakness, numbness, or have trouble moving part of your body, this could be a sign of serious nerve or brain damage.
Brain injuries don’t always show their full effects right away, so it’s better to get checked out and explore treatment options sooner rather than later.
How Medical Tests Diagnose Head Injuries
When evaluating a head injury, healthcare providers use a combination of imaging tests, neurological exams, and even blood tests to check for damage. The goal is to use certain diagnostic criteria to detect internal bleeding, swelling, or fractures that may not be immediately obvious.
CT Scan (Computed Tomography)
A CT scan is usually the first test ordered for a head injury. It provides a quick, detailed look at the brain and can reveal fractures, bleeding, swelling, or bruising. Since internal bleeding can be life-threatening, doctors rely on CT scans to catch serious issues early. This test is fast, making it ideal in emergency situations.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
If symptoms persist or worsen over time, an MRI may be used to get a more detailed view of the brain. Unlike a CT scan, which focuses on structural damage, an MRI detects subtle changes in brain tissue, including small bruises, nerve damage, or long-term effects of a concussion. It’s often recommended if symptoms linger for weeks or if a doctor suspects deeper brain trauma.
Neurological Exam
Beyond imaging, doctors perform a series of neurological tests to assess brain function and the severity of the injury. These include:
- Reflex Tests: This test checks how quickly and correctly nerves respond to stimuli.
- Balance and Coordination Tests: With this test, your medical team assesses dizziness, stability, and motor skills.
- Memory and Cognitive Tests: Doctors evaluate your recall, concentration, and problem-solving abilities.
- Eye Movement and Pupil Response: This test looks for abnormalities that could indicate pressure on the brain.
Each one helps your doctors determine the severity of the injury and whether additional medical treatment is needed. If symptoms persist after a while, follow-up exams may be necessary to monitor recovery and catch any delayed complications.
Legal Considerations After a Head Injury
If your head injury happened because of someone else’s negligence, you shouldn’t be expected to deal with the financial burden of the injury on your own. Medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care costs can add up fast, and compensation may be available to help cover these expenses.
A Marietta personal injury lawyer can review the details of your case, determine liability, and help you file a legal claim. Since head injuries often have long-term effects, it’s important to consider the following:
- Current and Future Medical Expenses: Treatment, rehabilitation, and follow-up care can be expensive, especially after a traumatic brain injury.
- Lost Income: If your injury affects your ability to work, you may be entitled to compensation for missed wages or reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Lasting symptoms like headaches, memory issues, or emotional distress can impact your quality of life.
- Ongoing Care Needs: Severe head injuries may require extended rehabilitation or long-term assistance with normal activities.
Insurance companies often try to downplay brain injuries, especially if symptoms aren’t immediately obvious. An experienced attorney can review your medical records and even seek an expert opinion to help ensure you receive fair compensation for both immediate costs and future challenges. If you suspect someone else’s negligence caused your injury, it’s worth seeking legal advice as soon as possible.
At The Champion Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.C., we have successfully taken on challenging TBI claims where other attorneys have failed:
- In one case, a woman suffering from a mild traumatic brain injury and whiplash after a rear-end collision had already worked with six different lawyers before turning to us. She had received the at-fault driver’s $25,000 insurance limit, but her own insurance company, Liberty Mutual, refused to pay out her $100,000 uninsured motorist coverage. After years of denials, Liberty Mutual went from offering nothing to paying the full $100,000 policy limits just before trial.
- In another case, our client suffered a closed head injury, whiplash, and post-concussion syndrome when another driver ran a red light and crashed into her vehicle, triggering her airbags to deploy. Despite her ongoing symptoms, the insurance company initially resisted full compensation. Personal injury attorney Lisa Bero and our legal team fought aggressively and secured a $100,000 settlement from the at-fault driver’s insurance.
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, concussion, or post-concussion syndrome due to someone else’s negligence, contact The Champion Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.C. today for a free consultation. We don’t just take on tough cases: we win them.
Injured? Get a Free Consultation From a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer
After a collision, what seems like a minor bump can actually lead to dangerous complications if ignored. The best approach is to stay cautious, monitor symptoms, and seek medical care when in doubt. Whether the injury is mild, moderate, or severe, taking the right steps early on can prevent long-term damage and support a better recovery.
If you or a loved one suffered a head injury in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, the legal team at The Champion Firm, Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help you. Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s discuss how we can secure the financial compensation you need for a better future.
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