Understanding Concussions After a Car Accident: Symptoms & When to Seek Help

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) that can change everything from your mood to your memory in a matter of seconds. Every year, thousands of drivers and passengers walk away from Oklahoma roadways unaware they’ve sustained a head injury from a crash—only to develop serious symptoms hours or days later. Knowing how to recognize car accident concussion symptoms and where to get timely, specialized care is the difference between a smooth recovery and months of lingering issues.

What Exactly Is a Concussion?

A concussion occurs when a sudden jolt or blow causes the brain to bounce or twist inside the skull, disrupting normal brain function. Rear-end collisions, side impacts, and even low-speed fender benders can generate enough force to trigger a concussion— even if there’s no visible head wound.

Fast fact: Research shows more than one-third of auto-related concussions happen in crashes below 25 mph.

Why Car Accidents Are a Leading Cause

Whiplash effect

Rapid head acceleration and deceleration stretch delicate brain tissue.

Airbag deployment

While lifesaving, airbags can create secondary blunt force.

Cabin impacts

Hitting a headrest, window, or steering wheel can transmit force through the skull.

Common Car Accident Concussion Symptoms

Concussion signs are not always immediate. Monitor yourself for at least 72 hours and watch for these red flags:

Early Symptoms (Minutes–Hours)	Delayed Symptoms (Hours–Days)
Headache or “pressure” in head	Persistent or worsening headache
Dizziness or “seeing stars”	Trouble concentrating or memory lapses
Nausea or vomiting	Sensitivity to light or noise
Temporary confusion or “fog”	Mood swings, irritability, anxiety
Brief loss of consciousness	Sleep disturbances or excessive fatigue

If you notice one or more of these symptoms—especially if they intensify—seek medical help immediately.

The Hidden Risks of “Toughing It Out”

Ignoring a concussion can lead to:

1. Second-impact syndrome

Suffering another concussion before the first heals can cause rapid, life- threatening brain swelling.

2. Post-concussion syndrome

Up to 20 % of untreated cases result in chronic headaches, dizziness, or cognitive problems lasting months or years.

3. Missed legal protection

Insurance adjusters may dispute injury claims if no prompt evaluation is documented.

How Concussions Are Diagnosed

Not all concussions are immediately visible, which is why a clinical diagnosis is critical.
Here’s how healthcare professionals identify and evaluate concussions after a crash.

Diagnostic Step	Why It Matters
Neurological exam (eye movement, balance, reflexes)	Detects functional brain changes even without imaging.
Cognitive testing (memory, processing speed)	Establishes baseline deficits to guide return-to-work or – driving decisions.
Imaging (CT or MRI, when indicated)	Rules out bleeding or swelling that requires urgent intervention.
Symptom tracking apps / SWAY balance tests	Provide objective data for recovery progress and safe activity timelines.

Evidence-Based Concussion Treatment in Tulsa

At Tulsa Accident Care Center, our concussion treatment Tulsa protocol includes:

1. Relative rest & symptom-paced activity

Gradual re-introduction of cognitive and physical tasks.

2. Vestibular & vision therapy

Up to 20 % of untreated cases result in chronic headaches, dizziness, or cognitive problems lasting months or years.

3. Targeted physical therapy

Addresses whiplash-related neck issues that aggravate headaches.

4. Medication management

Non-narcotic options for pain, sleep, or mood regulation.

5. Return-to-drive / return-to-work evaluations

Objective clearance based on symptom resolution and cognitive testing.

Average recovery times drop from 14–21 days to under two weeks when patients begin treatment within 48 hours of injury.

When to Seek Immediate ER Care

Call 911 or go to the emergency department if you experience:

Repeated vomiting or worsening headache
Slurred speech or pronounced confusion
Weakness or numbness in limbs
One pupil larger than the other
Seizures or loss of consciousness longer than 30 seconds These could indicate brain bleeding—every minute

Your Post-Accident Concussion Checklist

If you’ve been in a vehicle accident, this quick checklist can guide you through the essential steps to take when a concussion is suspected.

Timeframe	Action
Within 1 Hour	Check for visible injuries, call 911 if severe.
Within 24 Hours	Get evaluated by a concussion-trained provider—even if symptoms are mild.
Days 1–7	Follow prescribed rest, hydration, and symptom-paced activity.
Weeks 1–3	Adhere to therapy sessions, track symptoms daily, avoid screens and strenuous tasks until cleared.

Prevention Tips for Future Rides

While you can’t prevent every accident, you can reduce your risk of head injury. Follow these practical tips to stay safer behind the wheel or in the passenger seat.

Position your headrest so the top is level with the crown of your
Maintain at least a three-second following distance to reduce sudden
Replace worn brake components and tires to minimize impact
Always wear a properly adjusted seatbelt—reduces serious head injury risk by up to 50 %.

Take Charge of Your Brain Health Today

If you suspect a concussion—or simply want peace of mind after a head injury from a crash—trust the specialists at Tulsa Accident Care Center. Our board-certified physicians, nurse practitioners, and rehab experts provide same-day assessments, advanced diagnostics, and customized recovery plans under one roof. Don’t gamble with your brain. Call +1 918-888-8080 or walk into our Tulsa, Broken Arrow, or Owasso clinics for immediate care and documentation.

Your brain is your most valuable asset—protect it with expert, timely concussion treatment.