A concussion is the most common type of traumatic brain injury. When you suffer a blow to the head, it can cause the brain to get jostled around inside your skull. If your brain collides with the skull, it can cause chemical changes in the brain, damage brain cells, and even lead to bruising or bleeding on the brain. Doctors treat concussions from car accidents every day because of their high prevalence in these types of events. Your head and neck are unrestrained during a car accident and makes you more susceptible to injury. When you are diagnosed with a concussion after a car accident, you might wonder who the best doctor will be for your treatment and recovery. You might be surprised to learn that chiropractors can help with concussions from car accidents.
How to Handle Concussions from Car Accidents
If you suffer a blow to the head during a car accident, then you should visit a doctor as soon as possible. Any blow, bump, or jolt to the head can end up causing brain damage. A high-impact situation like a car accident makes you more susceptible to a concussion. If you have ever had a concussion previously, you are at a higher risk for sustaining one again. This is why athletes are at a higher risk for repeat concussions than the average weekend warrior. Car accident victims should get checked out right away by a doctor to confirm there isn’t any serious brain injury like bruising or bleeding. The sooner you get a diagnosis of a concussion, the sooner you can get started on treatment that will help relieve your symptoms and get you back to healthy functioning again.
Symptoms of a Concussion
Concussions from car accidents can cause symptoms that affect your physical, cognitive, and mental well-being. Physical symptoms of a concussion include headaches, neck pain, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. Other physical symptoms may include losing consciousness at the time of the accident due to the blow to the head. You may also have a bump or bruise on your head that is visible. You may also experience cognitive symptoms, such as confusion and difficulty with your memory and concentration after the accident. Drowsiness and excessive sleep are also symptoms of a concussion. Some people who suffer from a concussion also experience irritability and mood swings after the injury.
Treatment Options for a Concussion
Once your doctor has diagnosed that you have suffered a concussion, they can develop the most appropriate treatment plan for you. Treatment options will depend on the severity of your concussion and your symptoms. A severe concussion may involve bleeding or swelling on the brain, which can require emergency treatment. However, many concussions after car accidents are considered mild to moderate. Treatment for a mild or moderate concussion after a car accident can include a variety of techniques. For mild concussions, you may be able to recover at home with rest. This may include avoiding screens and limiting your mobility. It is important to have someone at home with you in the first few days as you recover to help monitor you for any new symptoms or issues. If you experience complications like post-concussion syndrome or post-traumatic headaches, then your doctor may recommend continued treatment and care.
What to Expect from Chiropractic Care for a Concussion
Many people associate chiropractors with spine injuries and back pain, but chiropractors can actually treat a wide variety of issues and injuries, including concussions after car accidents. Your chiropractor can help identify any misalignments in your spine that are keeping your brain from effectively communicating with the nerves in your body. Additionally, misalignments in the spine can also restrict healthy blood flow to the brain as it recovers from the concussion. Chiropractors can help address the symptoms you are dealing with after the concussion so you can experience lasting relief from the pain and discomfort.
If you recently suffered a concussion from a car accident, then talk to your chiropractor at The Accident Doctors to learn more about non-invasive and all-natural treatment options with chiropractic care. Your chiropractor can help alleviate your symptoms from the concussion while also treating the root cause of your pain and discomfort.
