Signs of a Head Injury: What to Look Out for After an Accident

A traffic accident can be a jarring experience. On Jacksonville's busy roads, from the I-95 corridor to the Buckman Bridge, collisions happen daily. In the immediate aftermath, it is essential to look for any signs of a head injury.

While not every head injury requires a visit to the emergency room, it is vital to be alert for signs that may indicate a severe problem.

Within the First Few Hours of the Injury

The period right after you have injured your head is crucial. If you become aware of any of the following symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention right away:

• Convulsions or seizures
• Loss of consciousness
• One pupil is larger than the other
• Repeated vomiting or nausea
• Slurred speech
• Worsening headache

These symptoms can indicate a serious traumatic brain injury (TBI) that requires immediate diagnosis and treatment. Prompt medical care can be critical in preventing more severe complications.

Within 1-2 Days After the Injury

Even if you did not lose consciousness or have other symptoms right after the accident, it is crucial to be aware of how you feel in the days that follow. Concussion symptoms can appear immediately after the injury or may not appear for days or even weeks. Here are some signs that you need to see a doctor:

• Blurry vision or other changes in vision
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Dizziness or problems with balance
• Drowsiness or fatigue
• Irritability or changes in mood
• Persistent headache or neck pain
• Sensitivity to light or noise

These delayed symptoms are common but should not be ignored. What might seem like a minor issue could be a sign of a more significant underlying injury.

Why Seeking Medical Attention is Important

Head trauma is a frequent and dangerous outcome of traffic crashes. It can lead to long-term problems or even death. That is why getting medical attention right away if you think you have a concussion or head injury is so important.

Here are a few long-term effects of head injuries:

1. Memory Problems: Loss of memory following a traumatic head injury can happen. The person may have trouble remembering new information or events. They may also have difficulty recalling memories from before the injury. Memory problems can make it hard to return to work or school and can interfere with personal relationships.
2. Coordination and Balance Problems: Some people with a head injury may have trouble with coordination and balance. This can make everyday activities, like walking and driving, more complex and dangerous. Physical therapy is often used to help improve coordination and balance. Exercises that challenge the person's vestibular system, the part of the ear that helps with balance, can help them relearn how to keep their balance.
3. Personality Changes: This is one of the more difficult long-term effects of a head injury. The person may seem like a different person after the injury. They may become more irritable, impulsive or aggressive. These changes can be particularly hard for family and friends to deal with.

Stay Safe and Seek Medical Attention After a Head Injury

A bump on the head may not seem like a big deal, but it can lead to severe problems. That is why you need to know the signs and symptoms of a head injury.

In the past, the decision on where to go for your head injuries was up to you. Now, you can rely on an expert team to diagnose and treat you anytime you need it, all at one location.

At UF Health Emergency & Urgent Care Centers, our primary goal is to provide the residents of Northeast Florida with exceptional service and the proper billing for the care they need. Our combined emergency room and urgent care is fully equipped to handle everything from head injuries and broken bones to small cuts with on-site labs, X-ray, ultrasound and CT, all under one roof.

The ER and urgent care centers are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No appointment is necessary — just walk in.

Find the UF Health Emergency & Urgent Care Center nearest you by visiting www.euc.ufhealthjax.org/locations.