There may be physical symptoms of whiplash such as a headache, but the major signs to watch out for are cognitive. Confusion, memory problems, sluggishness, uncharacteristic clumsiness, and mood changes can all indicate a concussion. You may also find yourself unable to answer questions.
Can a concussion happen from whiplash?
The short answer to whether you can get a concussion from whiplash is yes. The sudden jostling of your head and neck in a car accident can impact the muscles and tendons in the neck, leading to a whiplash injury. At the same time, this jostling can cause your brain to collide with the hard surface of your skull.
How long do whiplash concussions last?
Some common ways to get a concussion/TBI are from car accidents that result in whiplash, sports injuries and falls. Most people sustaining a mild concussion with appropriate care will generally recover fully within weeks or months. Recovery may be slower for older adults, young children and teens.
How is a whiplash concussion treated?
Heat or cold. Either heat or cold applied to the neck for 15 minutes every three hours or so can help you feel better. Over-the-counter pain medications. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), often can control mild to moderate whiplash pain.
How do I know if I have a concussion from whiplash Related Questions
What are the red flags of a concussion?
Slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination. Repeated vomiting or nausea, convulsions or seizures (shaking or twitching). Unusual behavior, increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation. Loss of consciousness (passed out/knocked out).
What are 3 symptoms of 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.
How do doctors check for concussion?
A cranial computerized tomography (CT) scan is the standard test in adults to assess the brain right after injury. A CT scan uses a series of X-rays to obtain cross-sectional images of your skull and brain.
What is the concussion test?
Concussion tests assess your brain function after a head injury. Most concussion tests consist of questionnaires or symptom checklists. Concussion tests check for things like alertness, memory, focus, how fast you think and your ability to solve problems. They also check your balance and coordination.
Why does my head hurt after whiplash?
Following whiplash injury, about 90% of patients complain about head and/or neck pain, as well as dizziness, sleep problems and anxiety. These symptoms are often referred to as whiplash-associated disorders. In the majority of cases, these complaints develop within a few days or weeks following the accident.
Can a concussion go away by itself?
Most concussions resolve on their own without any lasting effects. However, some concussions can accompany a more serious injury that requires treatment. Seek emergency treatment if you notice any of the following after a concussion: sudden, intense headaches.
What does a concussion headache feel like?
Characteristics: Following a concussion, you can develop a headache that resembles a migraine headache. Pain tends to be in the front of the head area of your forehead or temple. It is commonly described as a ‘pounding’ or ‘throbbing’ pain. It is sometimes associated with nausea and sensitivity to light and noise.
What not to do after whiplash?
Avoid lifting, sports, or other activities that might strain your neck. Try sleeping on a special neck pillow. Place it under your neck, not under your head. Placing a tightly rolled-up towel under your neck while you sleep will also work.
Do you fully recover from whiplash?
Everyone’s recovery is different. Most people recover from whiplash within a few days or weeks, others may take several months to get better. Most people will be able to go on with their usual activities as they get better.
Does whiplash show up on xray?
The difficulty with diagnosing whiplash is that it does not really show up on an X-ray, CT scan or an MRI scan. The diagnosis is usually made by asking the patient how they feel and then proceeding from there. People usually have pain in the back of their neck and they find that the pain is worse when they move.
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.
What can be mistaken for a concussion?
Concussion symptoms can be mimicked by preexisting conditions, such as stress and lack of sleep. Athletes most likely to report concussion-related symptoms after not having suffered a recent head injury also report trouble sleeping and mental health disorders, such as ADHD and depression.
What not to do with a concussion?
watching television. reading. using a computer/tablet. video gaming. texting. listening to music on headphones. doing homework. using the telephone.
What is mild concussion like?
Signs of a Grade 1 Concussion – Low-Grade, Mild In a grade 1 concussion, you can experience a headache, difficulty focusing, memory loss, dizziness, and nausea. You can usually return to normal activities within a few days following a grade 1 concussion after the symptoms have fully passed.
How long will a mild concussion last?
While most people with a mild TBI or concussion feel better within a couple of weeks, some will have symptoms for months or longer. Talk with your healthcare provider if symptoms: Do not go away, or. Get worse after you return to your regular activities.