Concussion & mild TBI
Concussion Care After a Car Accident or Fall in Louisville
Concussion symptoms can be subtle and may appear hours or days after an accident. A careful evaluation helps clarify what's happening and what to do next.
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a form of mild traumatic brain injury (mild TBI) that can occur after a blow to the head, a sudden jolt, or rapid acceleration-deceleration — common in auto accidents, falls, and sports injuries. You don't have to lose consciousness to have a concussion.
Symptoms can be delayed
Many patients feel "okay" right after an accident and then notice symptoms in the following hours or days. Common concussion symptoms include:
- • Headache
- • Dizziness or imbalance
- • Confusion
- • Memory issues
- • Difficulty concentrating
- • Light sensitivity
- • Nausea
- • Sleep changes
When to seek emergency care
Seek immediate care for worsening headache, slurred speech, weakness, numbness, repeated vomiting, loss of consciousness, seizures, inability to wake, worsening symptoms, or symptoms lasting more than 10–14 days.
How we can help
Evaluation may include a clinical exam and, when appropriate, advanced testing such as MRI, VNG, or posturography. We then coordinate therapy and recovery planning tailored to your symptoms.
Frequently asked questions
Can concussion symptoms appear days after a car accident?＋
Yes. Concussion symptoms can be delayed and may include headache, dizziness, memory issues, light sensitivity, and sleep changes. An evaluation helps clarify what you're experiencing.
Do I need to have hit my head to have a concussion?＋
No. A sudden jolt or rapid acceleration-deceleration — common in auto accidents — can produce a concussion even without a direct blow to the head.
How long do concussion symptoms typically last?＋
Many concussion symptoms improve within days to weeks, but recovery varies. Symptoms lasting beyond 10–14 days warrant medical evaluation.
What testing might be recommended?＋
Depending on your symptoms, MRI imaging, VNG for vestibular evaluation, and computerized posturography for balance assessment may be considered.