When you’re involved in an accident, you may sustain injury to your head and neck. These injuries can be serious if left untreated, so receiving the necessary care is vital. However, many people assume they have either a concussion or whiplash without taking the steps to confirm and treat the injury properly. When you are injured, getting the necessary medical treatment is vital. Keep reading to learn about the differences between whiplash and concussions and discover how a Kaufman County, Texas personal injury attorney can help you get the compensation you are entitled to.
How Do Whiplash and Concussions Happen?
Whiplash and concussions occur as the result of violent jolts or blows to the head or neck.
A concussion is most commonly associated with contact sports but can occur due to car crashes or slip-and-fall accidents. When your head sustains a violent blow or jolt, it can cause the brain to hit the side of the skull. A concussion, which is a form of mild brain injury, can occur as a result.
Whiplash occurs in a similar manner. Most commonly associated with rear-end car crashes, someone can experience whiplash when their neck violently moves back and forth, much like the motion of a whip. This causes hyperflexion and hypertension, which occurs when your neck moves too far back or forward. As a result, injury occurs.
It’s vital to note that, though often incorrectly used interchangeably, a concussion and whiplash are different injuries. This means it is possible to suffer both at the same time.
What Are the Symptoms?
While some symptoms of whiplash look similar to that of a concussion, there are many differences between these injuries. For example, a concussion can typically have symptoms that include:
Headache
Nausea
Blurry vision
Dizziness
Light sensitivity
Mild memory loss
Whiplash, on the other hand, can have symptoms of:
Neck pain and tenderness
Worsening neck stiffness
Pain and numbness that radiates through the neck, shoulders, and arms
Vertigo and balance problems
Muscle spasms
What Should I Do if I Sustain One of These Injuries in an Accident?
If you are involved in an accident and sustain whiplash or a concussion, ensuring you go to a doctor as soon as possible is vital. When left untreated, these injuries can become more severe over time, leading to chronic pain and, in the case of a concussion, the possibility of repeated injury, which can lead to severe brain damage. A medical professional can help diagnose any issues you may face as a result of an accident.
It’s important to understand that these injuries may result in expensive doctor’s visits or time off of work. As such, you may be entitled to financial compensation for the economic and non-economic damages.
When you’re hurt, Harrell & Paulson can help. Our dedicated legal team understands how hard it can be to deal with complications from an accident, which is why we will do everything possible to help you get the justice you deserve. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you.
