Since whiplash and concussions both involve the head, it follows that they can have similar symptoms. Both whiplash and concussions can involve a dull or sharp headache. They can also feature memory loss or blurred vision. However, accident victims should never try to diagnose themselves.
How do I check for a concussion?
Headache or “pressure” in head. Nausea or vomiting. Balance problems or dizziness, or double or blurry vision. Bothered by light or noise. Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy. Confusion, or concentration or memory problems. Just not “feeling right,” or “feeling down”.
What does whiplash feel like in head?
What are the symptoms of whiplash headache? Patients with headache after a whiplash injury will typically experience pain in the back of the head where the head meets the neck. This pain may radiate to the temples, the top of the head, the front of the head or down the neck. The pain may be intermittent or constant.
What are the red flags of whiplash?
Signs and symptoms of whiplash usually develop within days of the injury, and may include: Neck pain and stiffness. Worsening of pain with neck movement. Loss of range of motion in the neck.
Can whiplash mimic a concussion Related Questions
How to tell the difference between mild concussion and whiplash?
Unlike whiplash-type injuries that impact the neck and shoulders, concussions impact the head. This is actually a form of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that requires immediate medical intervention. The reason why people often confuse the two injuries is that they both occur as a result of impact.
How do you rule out whiplash?
X-rays. Computerized tomography (CT) scans. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.
Should I get checked out if I think I have a concussion?
Immediately following a concussion, you should be examined by a doctor. This can be done at an emergency department or a doctor’s office. You should also seek medical attention right away if you have any of the following symptoms within the first few days after the injury: Headache that persists or gets worse over time.
How can Dr tell if you have a mild concussion?
Your doctor may order imaging tests ‚Äî such as MRI or CT scans ‚Äî to make sure there’s no bruising or bleeding in your brain. To confirm a concussion diagnosis, your doctor will use the data from your: Exam and interview. ImPACT or other cognitive tests.
How can I test for a basic concussion at home?
One simple concussion assessment test is to shine a low-beam flashlight from the outer edge of each eye inward. Pupils should quickly get smaller (constrict) in response to the light. A slow pupil response to light may be a sign of brain injury (increased intracranial pressure or ICP).
Where does whiplash usually hurt?
Whiplash most often happens after a traffic accident or a slip or fall. Common symptoms of whiplash include: neck pain. neck stiffness and difficulty moving your head.
What happens if whiplash goes untreated?
Because a whiplash injury is a strain on your neck muscles as well as the tendons and ligaments in your neck, untreated whiplash can lead to spinal misalignment. When your spine is out of alignment, you can experience chronic structural problems, literally from your head to your feet.
What are the stages of whiplash?
Grade 0: No complaints about the neck. Grade I: Neck complaint of pain, stiffness or tenderness only. Grade II: Neck complaint AND musculoskeletal sign(s). Grade III: Neck complaint AND neurological sign(s). Grade IV: Neck complaint AND fracture or dislocation.
What mimics whiplash?
Other less common conditions that can mimic a whiplash injury include compressing bone/brain tumors, infections, heart attack etc.
Can a doctor tell if you have whiplash?
Symptoms of whiplash range from pain and stiffness in your neck to trouble sleeping and headaches. Your doctor can diagnose whiplash in a clinic visit by evaluating your symptoms. In some cases, your doctor will use diagnostic imaging to determine if you have a more severe cause of your pain.
How long does it take to realize you have whiplash?
According to the Mayo Clinic, you typically show signs of a whiplash injury within hours or days of being involved in a car accident. While it is more common to recognize the signs of whiplash within 24 hours of an accident, symptoms may not appear until a few days go by.
What are 3 symptoms of a mild concussion?
Headache. Ringing in the ears. Nausea. Vomiting. Fatigue or drowsiness. Blurry vision.
Do I have a concussion or did I just hit my head hard?
Concussion symptoms: Double, blurry or changed vision. Sensitivity to light and/or noise. Excessive fatigue/drowsiness. Difficulty comprehending, concentrating and/or paying attention.
Do I have a concussion or does my head just hurt?
A headache is by far the most common sign of a concussion. In fact, the Director of the Sports Neurology and Concussion Program at UT Southwestern Medical Center notes that as many as 95% of individuals with a concussion will experience a headache after their injury.
What does neck whiplash feel like?
Pain and stiffness are the most common symptoms of whiplash. You may experience a constant, aching pain, and pain that worsens when you move your head side-to-side or up and down. Pain and stiffness may be accompanied by tense, knotted muscles, muscle spasms, and limited range of motion for moving your neck.
What will a doctor do for a concussion?
Your doctor may recommend different therapies as well, such as rehabilitation for vision, rehabilitation for balance problems, or cognitive rehabilitation for problems with thinking and memory.