Mild concussions are common injuries in car accidents that doctors once thought weren’t a major concern. More recent research, however, indicates that you must take mild concussions seriously. These injuries could cause long-term problems with cognition, mood and happiness. Tennessee allows up to one year after the date of an accident to file a personal injury claim.
Heightened sensitivity
Some people who have had mild concussions experienced heightened sensitivity afterwards. You may become more sensitive to sounds, lights and other sensory experiences. It could be to the extent that it interferes with your daily life.
People who are at a greater risk
Certain factors increase your risk of long-term problems from a mild concussion. Depression, high blood sugar, not having health insurance and lower education make it more likely that you’ll have a poor outcome from a mild concussion. You should see a doctor after any car accident regardless of how you feel. Injuries from car accidents aren’t always immediately apparent. You may experience symptoms days, weeks or months later.
Symptoms of mild concussions
Insomnia, mood changes, difficulty focusing, headaches, nausea, sensitivity to light and noise, and not feeling right are symptoms of mild concussions. You should have a checkup if you experience any of these symptoms after an accident or a blow to the head. If your doctor doesn’t take mild concussions seriously, you may want to find a doctor who does to ensure that you receive the level of care you need.
Typical treatment for a mild concussion
You should rest for at least one to two days after a mild concussion. If you were in a car accident, it’s a good idea to rest for a few days in case you have an injury you’re not yet aware of. Resting means to only do calming, gentle activities and reduce or avoid screen time and exposure to news. Don’t play sports or ride a bicycle or skateboard because they expose you to further injury. Your head is more delicate while it’s recovering from a mild concussion.
Mild concussions are more serious than doctors used to think they are. Failure to treat them properly can result in long-term mood problems, depression and cognitive impairment, so it’s important to see a doctor right away.