I hit my head and still feel off. Could it be a concussion?

It could be. A concussion is a brain injury, and you don't have to lose consciousness or even hit your head to have one. A hard jolt in a crash can be enough. If you feel "off" after an accident, see a doctor.

Get emergency care right away if you have:

• A headache that gets worse or won't go away
• Repeated vomiting
• Confusion, slurred speech, or trouble waking up
• Weakness or numbness in your arms or legs
• A seizure, or one pupil larger than the other

Call 911 or go to the emergency room. Your health comes before any legal claim.

Common concussion symptoms

• Headaches, dizziness, or balance problems
• Trouble concentrating or remembering things
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Sleeping much more or less than usual
• Irritability, anxiety, or feeling down

Symptoms can show up hours or days after the crash. Read what if I didn't go to the hospital right away?

Why concussions are often undervalued

A concussion usually doesn't show up on a CT scan, and you may look fine on the outside. Insurers use that to downplay it. When symptoms last for weeks or months, it's called post-concussive syndrome, and it can affect work, relationships, and daily life. Good documentation makes the difference: doctor visits, a neurologist if needed, and notes from people who've noticed changes in you.

We've seen this in our own cases. One truck accident client we represented suffered post-concussive syndrome along with other injuries. Every case is different, and past results don't guarantee a future outcome.

What to do

1. See a doctor and describe every symptom, even ones that seem small.
2. Keep a simple daily log of headaches, memory problems, and sleep.
3. Ask family and coworkers to write down changes they've noticed.
4. Don't rush back to screens, driving, or work if your doctor says rest.

Get a Free Consultation

Still not feeling like yourself after a crash? Call Attorney Daniel A. Pava at 413-781-8700. More on our truck accident and car accident pages.

Phone: (413) 781-8700
Email: daniel@pavalaw.com
Office: 1380 Main St, Suite 301, Springfield, MA 01103