Post Car Accident Concussion Awareness

North Bay is one of two cities in Ontario taking part in a study to try and estimate how many concussions are going undiagnosed that result from car accidents. Emergency workers say that often, car accident victims refuse medical attention, even when they may have suffered concussion. According to first responders, many drivers who seem to have concussions are leaving scenes even though first responders are concerned about them.

The pilot project is including educating victims, and handing out pamphlets and educational cards to the drivers in order to help them recognize the symptoms they may be suffering in the days and hours following motor vehicle collisions. The province is going to collect he data from the test areas in order to help determine how many concussions are going undiagnosed, and how that problem can be better addressed. Currently, drivers have the right to refuse medical attention if it is deemed they are competent to make the decision.

Car/motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of concussion in children and adults in Canada. Half of the reported cases of concussion in Canada is due to car accidents. Head injuries account for more than 45% of cyclist deaths.

The real concern with post car accident concussion is that if people are not diagnosed in a timely manner with concussion they risk many complications occurring. They may not even be aware that the symptoms and complications are related to a concussion, as the symptoms can take hours, or even many days to appear.

Symptoms of concussion include:

• Blurred vision.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Dizziness.
• Drowsiness.
• Feeling faint, sluggish, lethargic, or confused.
• Headache.
• Nausea.
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

Post concussion syndrome is highly possible as well, since there may be no treatment of the initial concussion. PCS is a complex disorder that may include headaches or dizziness that last for weeks.

If you have been in a car accident and sustained any blow or injury to your body then you should seek medical care immediately. Indicate to the doctor that you have been in a car accident and describe how it occurred and any symptoms you may be having. Air bags deploying can cause eye damage, and concussion. Seat belts can also cause upper body and torso injuries. Soft tissue injuries are common, as is whiplash. With a minor accident you can hope that most symptoms resolve within a few days, but if they do not, and you find yourself making personal injury claims, and hiring a lawyer, the paper trails will become important for your treatment and to establish entitlement to benefits.