When to Seek Care for a Head Injury After a Car Accident

Navigating the Pensacola metropolitan area, from the bustling traffic on the Pensacola Bay Bridge to the busy intersections along Cervantes Street, can be challenging.

Accidents happen every day, and in the chaos that follows a crash, it's easy to overlook subtle but serious injuries. Head injuries are particularly dangerous because their symptoms can be delayed, sometimes for hours or even days.

A portion of these involve traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can have lasting consequences if not treated promptly. Understanding the signs of a head injury is critical for anyone involved in a collision in the Pensacola area.

This guide will help you identify symptoms, understand why immediate medical care is essential, and know where to turn for help.

Immediate Symptoms

The moments right after an accident are crucial. Adrenaline can mask pain, making you feel fine even when you're not. Certain symptoms, however, signal a potentially severe head injury that requires an immediate trip to an emergency room

You should call 911 or have someone take you to the ER if you experience loss of consciousness, even a brief blackout, a persistent or worsening headache, nausea with repeated vomiting, or any seizures and convulsions.

Other critical indicators of a brain injury include slurred speech, confusion, or having one pupil that is larger than the other. Any weakness or numbness in your limbs also serves as a neurological warning sign that should be evaluated by a medical professional right away.

Ignoring these symptoms can lead to severe complications. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are your best defense against long-term damage.

Delayed Symptoms

Not all head injuries present themselves immediately. A concussion, which is a mild traumatic brain injury, can have symptoms that appear hours, days, or even weeks after the initial accident. You might feel a little "off" or just brush it off as stress from the wreck. It is vital to monitor yourself closely in the days following any collision.

Be on the lookout for these delayed signs, which warrant a visit to your doctor or an urgent care clinic:

• Sensitivity to light and noise: Finding bright lights or loud sounds overwhelming.
• Dizziness and balance problems: Feeling unsteady on your feet or experiencing vertigo.
• Cognitive difficulties: Trouble concentrating, remembering new information, or feeling like you're in a "fog."
• Vision changes: Experiencing blurry vision, double vision, or seeing "stars."

These symptoms may seem minor, but they can significantly impact your daily life and may indicate an underlying injury that needs medical attention.

Why Seeking Medical Attention is Crucial

Head trauma is a common and dangerous result of traffic accidents. According to Florida Health data, traumatic brain injuries are a leading cause of disability and death.

Getting prompt medical attention after a suspected head injury is critical. A doctor can use diagnostic tools like CT scans to assess the extent of damage.

Without treatment, head injuries can lead to long-term problems with memory, concentration, coordination, and even personality changes—making daily life much more challenging for both the injured person and their loved ones.

Get Immediate Care for Your Headache or Migraine

Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Baptist Emergency Room & Urgent Care's emergency room is open 24/7, and urgent care is available from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. Appointments are unnecessary - walk in, and our healthcare professionals are ready to help at both of our locations.

Navarre - 8888 Navarre Pkwy., Navarre, FL 32566. Call the center at 850-750-5698.

Nine Mile - 9400 University Parkway Suite 101A Pensacola, FL 32514. Call the center at 448-227-4600.

Baptist Emergency Room & Urgent Care is comprised of board-certified ER-trained physicians and professionally trained ER nurses who deliver quality medical care. Our urgent care and emergency room can effectively treat various medical conditions. From fever to fractures, allergies to abdominal pain, and colds to concussions, we have you covered with on-site labs, CT, X-rays, and ultrasound.