Concussion warning signs after a car accident

CDC concussion symptoms and danger signs

The CDC concussion page(opens in a new tab) separates possible symptoms from danger signs. Possible symptoms can involve headache, dizziness, nausea, vision, balance, memory, sleep, or mood. Light and noise can also feel worse than usual. Danger signs require urgent action.

Symptoms may be noticed by the injured person or by someone else. If a person seems more confused, cannot be woken normally, or has a seizure, do not wait for a clinic appointment. The same is true for any other danger sign.

Concussion can occur without a direct head strike

A forceful hit to the body can move the head and brain rapidly. This is why the event history matters, even if no one remembers hitting the dashboard or window.

This statement does not diagnose a concussion. It explains why a medical assessment may be appropriate.

What to tell the medical provider

• Time and type of collision.
• Loss of consciousness, even if brief or uncertain.
• Memory gap.
• Vomiting.
• Headache pattern.
• Dizziness, balance, or vision change.
• Confusion, slowed responses, or unusual behavior.
• Medication, especially blood-thinning medication.
• Any worsening after the scene.

Do not use note-taking as a reason to delay emergency care.

Chiropractic care does not diagnose or treat a concussion

Portsmouth Accident & Injury Center may check separate muscle or joint concerns once urgent and medical issues have been handled. It does not replace an emergency department. It also cannot diagnose a concussion through a web form or promise post-concussion care.

Use headaches after a crash for more on symptoms. See what to do after a crash for the local checklist.

Frequently asked questions

Follow medical instructions first. The injury and symptom index covers muscle and joint questions. The what to expect at a chiropractic visit page explains what the office can review.

Related crash-symptom guides: chest and rib pain guide and shoulder and seat-belt injury guide. Next steps: accident-focused evaluation in Portsmouth.

This page provides general information. It cannot diagnose an injury or replace emergency or medical care.