Concussions and head wounds are severe injuries that can occur even during low-speed auto accidents. Although car manufacturers have done a great job incorporating more comprehensive safety features into vehicles, the safest component – the seat belt – is only intended to protect your chest and torso.
Your head remains rather defenseless during a crash, and even when an airbag is deployed, injuries can still take place. Head injuries can cause long-term pain and discomfort. Today, our Atlanta orthopedic doctors take a look at the long-term effects of a concussion.
Concussions & Atlanta Orthopedic Treatment
The long-term consequences of a concussion depend primarily on the severity of the injury. Concussions are normally graded on a three-point scale:
- Grade I concussions are considered mild in nature
- Grade II concussions are considered moderate in nature
- Grade III concussions are considered severe in nature
Most individuals who suffer a Grade I or Grade II concussion notice that symptoms resolve within one to two weeks, but severe concussion symptoms can last for many months.
Concussion Symptoms and Severity
If you believe you have suffered a concussion immediately following a car accident, or if symptoms begin to arise in the days or weeks after an accident, you’ll want to speak to our Atlanta orthopedic doctors who specializes in this type of injury. Some people think you can only suffer a severe concussion if you were knocked out cold during an accident, but that is just untrue. Left unchecked, symptoms can worsen and delay the healing process. Here are some symptoms to watch out for:
- Anxiety and depression
- Confusion
- Difficulty sleeping
- Dizziness
- Feeling of a “mental fog.”
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Sensitivity to light
- Trouble concentrating
Unlike broken bones that eventually heal with time, symptoms of a concussion can linger if you return to work, school or other activities too quickly.
Call AICA Orthopedics For Immediate Treatment and Relief
To ensure a full recovery, an orthopedic doctor will examine your brain with the help of an MRI machine. This allows them to see any physical or chemical changes that have taken place. Once diagnosed, your Atlanta orthopedic doctor will likely prescribe a course of cognitive and physical therapy, medications, and rest.
With severe concussions, you can’t expect symptoms to resolve within a few days. Headaches and light sensitivity can linger for months, but if you stick to your rehab plan and ease your way back into athletic activity and work, you’ll slowly notice that symptoms will diminish. If symptoms continue after a few months of continued rehab, speak to your doctor, as it could be a sign of a more serious injury that needs additional attention.
