What Is the Likelihood of a Concussion in a Car Wreck? What Do You Need to Do if You’ve Suffered a Head Injury in a Crash?
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that about one in every five mild traumatic brain injuries suffered in the United States every year happens as the result of a motor vehicle accident. Many of those crashes involve relatively minor levels of impact. In fact, you can suffer a concussion in a car, truck or motorcycle accident without colliding with another vehicle or any other object. The violently snapping back and forth that comes with whiplash can cause varying levels of traumatic brain injury without any impact whatsoever.
The Common Causes of Concussions in Motor Vehicle Accidents
Most mild traumatic brain injuries suffered in car crashes result from impact with another object. That could be the dashboard or windshield of your vehicle.
As noted above, you can also sustain a concussion without banging your head against a stationary object. The impact of a rear-end collision, regardless of which vehicle you are in, will often cause your head to jerk forward and back, causing your brain to bounce off the inside of your skull. That’s usually enough to cause a concussion.
What Should You Do When You’ve Suffered a Bump or Blow to the Head in a Motor Vehicle Accident?
Any time that you experience an injury to your head, neck or shoulders, you should seek immediate medical attention. If you are unable to stand or walk, stay where you are (provided you are safe) until emergency responders arrive. They’ll know exactly what to do. Defer to their expertise. If they recommend that you go to the hospital by ambulance, do it.
If, however, you are able to leave the scene of the accident under your own power, get medical care as soon as possible. You may opt to go to the local hospital emergency room or an urgent care facility, but you will be better served by going to see medical professionals, such as Core Medical, who specialize in acute or immediate care of concussions and traumatic brain injury.
ContactCore Medical CenterToday
At Core Medical Center, we understand the potential risks associated with any type of bump or blow to the head and can quickly determine the nature of your injury and the care you require.To learn more, contact Core Medical Center online or call our offices in Blue Springs, Missouri, at (819) 229-1941.
