Auto Accidents – Head Injuries
The American Academy of Neurology defines concussion as a “trauma- induced alteration in mental status that may or may not involve a loss of consciousness”. Which, if you consider the types of injuries often sustained in an Auto Accident, the likely of a possible concussion can be very high for many people. Difficulties exist in truly judging the full extent of the concussion for many reasons, but most concussions do resolve within 3 weeks with a very structured return to work activity treatment program.
At NDBC we take a multidisciplinary approach towards concussion treatment and management. We have a TEAM of Physicians, Audiologists, Physical Therapists, and Occupational Therapists all specifically trained in the field of treating brain injuries and concussions. You may see one, or all of the specialists based on your initial evaluation with our medical team.
Your evaluation will begin with one of our physicians where they will perform a thorough post-concussion evaluation using the common Acute Concussion Evaluation protocol (ACE). Our physician will then decide whether your condition is appropriate for NDBC, and then may order additional evaluations with other NDBC providers. What makes our clinic unique for concussions is that we have the ability to provide IMPACT neuropsychological baseline and post-concussion testing, Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP) for postural stability and functional deficits, and a complete neurotologic balance assessment in our Balance Testing Lab. No other facilities in the Midwest area provide all these concussion testing components in one facility, enabling us to provide the very best assessment possible, exceptional continuity of patient care, and convenience for the patient.
Head and brain injuries — Drivers and passengers are susceptible to head injuries due to hitting a windshield, side window, roof, steering wheel, loose objects or other people.A common injury is a concussion caused by a blow to the head. With a concussion (also called a traumatic brain injury), your brain bounces around inside your skull. This causes chemical changes in your brain. You may not notice symptoms right away, so concussion testing may be necessary. You should know the symptoms such as headache, neck pain, nausea or dizziness. Sometimes the symptoms can take days or weeks to appear.
Treatment: You’ll want to see a health care professional. The primary treatment for a mild concussion is rest. We recommend you cut back on physical activities and activities that require a lot of concentration. If more severe concussion symptoms are present, you may need to go to the hospital. You may have bleeding under the skull (subdural hematoma). Bleeding in the skull is a medical emergency.
Recovery: For mild concussions, most patients notice symptoms diminish in 2 to 3 weeks after onset. The recovery from a subdural hematoma is more complicated and depends on the severity of the injury.