Head Injury After an Accident and When to Seek Care

A car accident can happen in an instant and be a deeply unsettling experience. On Central Florida's busy roads, from the high-traffic I-4 corridor to the bustling streets of downtown Orlando, collisions are an unfortunate reality. In the moments after an accident, your focus might be on vehicle damage or visible cuts, but it's crucial to also look for signs of a head injury.

According to Florida Health data for Orange County, unintentional injuries are a leading cause of death, and traffic accidents contribute significantly to this statistic. While not every knock to the head will land you in the emergency room, knowing the signs of a serious injury is vital for protecting your long-term health.

Immediate Symptoms: Within the First Few Hours

The period directly following a head injury is critical. Certain symptoms signal a potential traumatic brain injury (TBI) that requires immediate medical attention. If you or someone else involved in an accident experiences any of the following, seek emergency care right away:

• Loss of consciousness: Even a brief blackout is a major red flag.
• Convulsions or seizures: Uncontrolled shaking or muscle spasms.
• Repeated vomiting or nausea: This can indicate increasing pressure inside the skull.
• One pupil larger than the other: A change in pupil size can signal a serious brain injury.
• Slurred speech or confusion: Difficulty speaking clearly or understanding others.
• A worsening headache that won't go away: A persistent or intensifying headache is a warning sign.

These symptoms can point to a severe injury that needs a prompt diagnosis and treatment. Quick medical intervention can be crucial in preventing lasting complications or more severe damage.

Delayed Symptoms: In the Days Following an Accident

Sometimes, the signs of a concussion or other head injury don't appear right away. It's common for symptoms to emerge hours, or even days, later. Even if you felt fine at the scene of the accident, pay close attention to how you feel in the following 24 to 48 hours.

Here are some delayed symptoms that mean you should see a doctor:

• Persistent headache or neck pain: A dull ache that doesn't subside with over-the-counter medication.
• Dizziness or problems with balance: Feeling unsteady on your feet or like the room is spinning.
• Drowsiness or extreme fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or having no energy.
• Changes in sleep patterns: Sleeping much more or less than usual, or having trouble falling asleep.
• Sensitivity to light or noise: Finding bright lights or loud sounds overwhelming.
• Blurry vision or other vision changes: Trouble focusing your eyes or seeing double.
• Irritability, anxiety, or changes in mood: Feeling more emotional, angry, or sad than usual.

These symptoms might seem minor, but they should never be ignored. They can be signs of an underlying injury that requires medical evaluation.

Why Seek Medical Attention

Head trauma is one of the most frequent and dangerous outcomes of a traffic accident. An untreated head injury can lead to long-term health issues, cognitive decline, or even death. Getting a medical evaluation right away is the only way to be sure you don't have a concussion or a more serious TBI.

Here are a few long-term effects that can result from an untreated head injury:

1. Memory Problems: Memory loss is a common consequence of a traumatic head injury. An individual may struggle to form new memories or have difficulty recalling events from before the accident. These memory problems can make it challenging to return to work or school and can strain personal relationships.
2. Coordination and Balance Issues: A head injury can damage the parts of the brain that control movement and balance. This can make everyday activities, like walking or driving, more difficult and even dangerous. Physical and occupational therapy are often used to help retrain the brain and improve coordination.
3. Personality and Mood Changes: This is often one of the most difficult long-term effects for both the individual and their family. A head injury can cause significant shifts in personality. Someone might become more impulsive, irritable, or aggressive. These changes can be hard for loved ones to understand and manage.

Find the Right Level of Care at UF Health Emergency & Urgent Care

Deciding where to go for medical care when you're experiencing chest pain can be stressful. But at UF Health Emergency & Urgent Care Center, our primary goal is to provide the residents of our community with exceptional service and the proper billing for the care they need. Our combined emergency room and urgent care are fully equipped to handle everything from allergies to fractures, fever to chest pain, with on-site labs, X-ray, ultrasound and CT imaging, all under one roof. The ER and urgent care centers are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

No appointment is necessary – just walk in! Find the UF Health Emergency & Urgent Care Center nearest you today!