Did you or a loved one suffer head trauma in a motor vehicle collision in Snellville or elsewhere in Gwinnett County? If so, it is imperative that you get checked out by a doctor right away. You may be showing signs of a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI). At Griffin Law Firm, P.C., we want to make sure that you know what to look for after a crash. Here, our Snellville car accident attorney provides a guide for recognizing the symptoms of a concussion after a traffic collision in Georgia.
Know the Most Common Concussion Symptoms After a Car Accident
Concussions are challenging to diagnose. Not only do they manifest with a delayed onset in many cases, but the prognosis can vary from person to person. The specific part of the brain that was affected will play a role in how the injury presents itself. Here are some of the most common symptoms of a concussion from a car crash:
- Headache and Pressure in the Head: Headaches are often the earliest and most noticeable symptom following a concussion. The pain may start as a dull ache and gradually intensify over time. Medically, post-traumatic headaches are caused by chemical and vascular changes within the brain after mechanical injury to neuronal tissue. The stretching of blood vessels and irritation of pain-sensitive meninges contribute to this discomfort. Persistent or worsening headaches (especially when accompanied by nausea or confusion) should be treated as a sign of a possible concussion.
- Dizziness and Loss of Balance: Another common symptom is dizziness. Many car accident victims report feeling lightheaded or unsteady after a head impact. Dizziness can occur immediately or develop later as swelling or inflammation affects brain function. From a clinical perspective, this symptom results from disruption to the vestibular system. That system includes structures of the inner ear and brainstem that are responsible for spatial orientation and balance. Concussions interfere with the transmission of sensory signals that help the brain coordinate movement.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea and/or vomiting after a car crash is a big sign of a concussion. In fact, it is common for concussion patients to feel sick to their stomach or vomit shortly after the incident. These symptoms often accompany severe headaches or dizziness. Physiologically, nausea and vomiting stem from increased intracranial pressure and disruption of the autonomic nervous system. The area postrema (a part of the brain that controls vomiting) can become overstimulated following trauma from a crash.
- Cognitive Impairment and Confusion: After a concussion, it may feel hard to think clearly, concentrate, or remember what happened during or after the crash. Victims sometimes describe feeling “foggy” or detached. The condition reflects a temporary diffuse axonal injury, where stretching of nerve fibers disrupts normal communication between neurons. Such microstructural damage impairs the brain’s ability to process and store information efficiently. Neurocognitive testing and imaging may reveal slowed reaction times and deficits in executive functioning.
- Short-term Memory Loss: After a concussion, many people struggle to remember details of the accident or events shortly before and after it. This confusion can be frightening, but it is a well-documented neurological effect. The underlying cause is a temporary disruption of the hippocampus and frontal lobe. These are the regions responsible for forming and retrieving new memories.
- Sensitivity to Light and/or Noise: Bright lights or loud sounds may suddenly feel overwhelming after a concussion. The symptom is known as photophobia (light sensitivity) and phonophobia (sound sensitivity). On a neurological level, concussions disturb the brain’s sensory integration pathways, particularly within the thalamus and occipital cortex, which regulate visual and auditory processing. The overstimulation of these neural circuits causes discomfort and fatigue when exposed to otherwise normal environmental stimuli.
Understanding Second Impact Syndrome
As explained by the Mayo Clinic, Second Impact Syndrome occurs when a person sustains a second concussion before the first one has fully healed. The brain loses its ability to regulate blood flow, leading to rapid swelling and catastrophic pressure inside the skull. The good news is that the condition is relatively rare. The bad news is that it is a very serious medical emergency. If you or your loved one is dealing with Second Impact Syndrome, our Snellville car accident lawyers are here to help you navigate a claim.
Recovering the Maximum Compensation for a Car Accident
In Georgia, car accident victims have the right to seek compensation for the full value of their damages, including any non-economic losses. Do not rely on any insurance company to look out for your best interests. Our Snellville, GA auto accident attorney can help. Along with other types of damages, you may be entitled to secure compensation for:
- Vehicle repairs
- Ambulance costs
- Emergency room care
- Hospital bills
- Other health care costs
- Physical therapy
- Mental health support
- Loss of wages
- Diminished earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Mental distress
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Loss of quality of life
Why Trust Our Snellville Car Accident Lawyers for a Head Injury Claim
Car accidents are among the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). After suffering a head injury in a crash, it is imperative that you have strong, reliable professional representation. At Griffin Law Firm, P.C., we are proactive and solutions-focused. Our testimonials and case results tell the story best. We have a law office located right here in Snellville, and we are committed to providing personalized advocacy to victims and their families. Our attorneys serve the entire region, including the zip codes of 30017, 30039, and 30078.
Contact Our Snellville, GA Car Accident Lawyer for Head Injuries Today
At Griffin Law Firm, P.C., our Snellville car accident attorney has the skills and experience to handle TBI claims. If you or your loved one suffered a brain injury in a traffic crash, we can help. Contact us today for your free case review. We handle car accident claims in Snellville and all across Gwinnett County, including the zip codes 30017, 30039, and 30078.