Although some might consider a concussion to be a common and “mild” traumatic brain injury, anyone who’s had one knows there’s nothing mild about the way it can disrupt your life. From headaches and dizziness to trouble concentrating, the symptoms can linger in ways that feel unpredictable and frustrating. While some people bounce back within days, others find that recovery takes weeks or even months, and it can produce lasting repercussions if left untreated. Whether you suffered a concussion due to a car crash, a fall, a sports-related injury, or an assault, you might wonder, “How long does it take to recover from a concussion?” Let’s discuss what you should expect if you suffer a concussion in a car accident.
Recovery from a Concussion
How long does it take to recover from a concussion? The Cleveland Clinic reports that most people recover from a concussion within a few weeks to a month. However, the speed of the recovery process varies from person to person and can last much longer for those in high-risk groups, like the following:
- Elderly adults
- Children (especially adolescents)
- People who have previously experienced a concussion
- Individuals who have certain pre-existing medical conditions (migraines, seizure disorders, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, etc.)
- Women
- Those who experience more severe symptoms initially
In addition, if you’ve experienced a concussion in the past and suffer a second one in a car accident or another incident, you could be at risk of developing post-concussion syndrome (PCS). People who experience this complication can experience ongoing symptoms for a year or longer.
Concussions and Car Accidents
Concussions can occur when your head is jolted or impacted by an object, causing your brain to slosh around inside your skull. These injuries are common in certain types of motor vehicle collisions, including the following:
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end crashes
- Rollover accidents
- Side-impact collisions
All of these accidents can cause your head to be violently jolted or strike an object, which can cause traumatic brain injuries that range from a concussion to a severe TBI.
Why You Should Seek Prompt Medical Attention
By receiving prompt medical attention, you can obtain an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan to help expedite the recovery process. Even if you initially think you weren’t injured, you should still see your doctor as soon as possible. Concussions and other common car accident injuries can have delayed symptoms that might not appear for hours or days. Your doctor can identify any hidden injuries and ensure you receive the care you need.
Additionally, prompt medical attention following a car accident is important for your ability to recover compensation. If you fail to see a doctor for a suspected brain injury, it will be hard to prove that your injury exists or to recover damages for your losses in a car accident claim. Insurance companies need medical documentation of your injury soon after your collision, before they will agree to pay your injury claim.
How Are Concussions Diagnosed and Treated?
If you hit your head or suffer a violent jolt during a car accident, the emergency room doctor will examine you and evaluate your symptoms. The doctor will ask you questions about your medical history, the accident, and any symptoms you are experiencing. If a concussion is suspected, they might conduct a neurological exam and a concussion test that assesses your memory, cognitive skills, and ability to concentrate. While a concussion can’t be viewed on an imaging scan, your doctor might order a CT scan or MRI to look for bleeding around your brain that requires prompt care to prevent worsening damage.
Treatment for concussions typically involves a period of rest for several days. During this time, your doctor will ask you to engage in little to no activity. They will also tell you when you can resume physical and mental activities. Follow your treatment plan closely. If you try to resume your normal activities too quickly, you may prolong your recovery.
What else can you expect? Your doctor might tell you to take over-the-counter pain relievers and to avoid driving, drinking alcohol, or completing certain chores. You may have to take some days off from work or school as well.
Get Help from Our Experienced Injury Lawyers
How long does it take to recover from a concussion? While a concussion is a mild TBI and usually resolves within a few weeks, your recovery time depends on multiple factors. If you suffered a TBI or another injury in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, contact our experienced attorneys at the Law Offices of Bryan Musgrave. We provide free consultations and can help you determine your next steps. Call us today at 417-322-2222 or send us a message online.