Concussions are one of the most common forms of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), yet they are often misunderstood or overlooked. While many people associate concussions with sports injuries, they can happen in a wide variety of situations—including slips and falls, workplace injuries, and motor vehicle accidents. In fact, many patients who come into our office with concussion symptoms are recovering from No-Fault car accidents, where the sudden force of a collision causes the head and neck to move rapidly.
Understanding the signs of a concussion, what to expect during recovery, and when to seek care can make a significant difference in how quickly and safely someone heals.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion occurs when a blow or sudden force to the head—or even a rapid acceleration and deceleration of the body—causes the brain to move within the skull. This movement can temporarily disrupt normal brain function.
Importantly, you do not have to lose consciousness to have a concussion. Many people remain awake and alert after the injury but develop symptoms minutes or even hours later.
Car accidents are a common cause because the rapid forward-and-back motion during a collision can jolt the brain and cervical spine simultaneously. This is why concussions and whiplash injuries often occur together.
Common Causes of Concussions
Concussions can result from many types of incidents, including:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Sports injuries
- Slips and falls
- Workplace accidents
- Being struck by an object
- Physical altercations
In our office, car accidents are one of the most frequent causes we see. Even relatively low-speed crashes can generate enough force to cause both a concussion and neck strain.
Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion
Concussion symptoms can vary widely from person to person. Some appear immediately after the injury, while others may develop hours or even days later.
Symptoms generally fall into four categories: physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep-related.
Physical Symptoms
Common physical signs include:
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Blurred or double vision
- Fatigue
- Neck pain
- Ringing in the ears
Headaches and neck stiffness are particularly common after car accidents because the cervical spine absorbs much of the force of the collision.
Cognitive Symptoms
Because the brain’s processing can be temporarily disrupted, many people notice changes in thinking or concentration, such as:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Feeling mentally “foggy”
- Slower reaction time
- Trouble finding words
Students and professionals often notice these symptoms when returning to school or work.
Emotional and Mood Changes
Concussions can also affect emotional regulation. Some patients report:
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Feeling more emotional than usual
- Depression
These symptoms are a normal part of concussion recovery and should always be taken seriously.
Sleep Disturbances
Sleep issues are also common after a concussion, including:
- Sleeping more than usual
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Trouble staying asleep
- Feeling drowsy during the day
Good sleep is an important part of the healing process, so these symptoms should be monitored.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Anyone who suspects they may have a concussion should seek medical evaluation. While most concussions resolve with appropriate care, certain symptoms require immediate emergency attention, including:
- Repeated vomiting
- Worsening headache
- Loss of consciousness
- Slurred speech
- Weakness or numbness in the limbs
- Increasing confusion or agitation
- Seizures
These symptoms may indicate a more serious brain injury and should be evaluated in an emergency room immediately.
Even when symptoms are mild, it’s still important to get checked out. Early evaluation helps guide recovery and rule out other injuries—especially after a car accident.
Why Concussions and Neck Injuries Often Occur Together
In many concussion cases—particularly motor vehicle accidents—the head injury is accompanied by trauma to the neck. During a collision, the head is rapidly thrown forward and backward, placing significant strain on the muscles, joints, and ligaments of the cervical spine.
This mechanism is commonly known as whiplash, and it can contribute to symptoms such as:
- Headaches
- Neck stiffness
- Dizziness
- Shoulder or upper back pain
- Difficulty concentrating
Because the neck and nervous system are closely connected, dysfunction in the cervical spine can sometimes worsen concussion symptoms or prolong recovery. Addressing both injuries is often key to helping patients feel better.
Concussions After No-Fault Car Accidents
In New York State, injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident are often covered under No-Fault insurance. This system allows injured individuals to receive necessary medical care regardless of who caused the accident.
Many concussion patients we see were involved in car crashes where they initially felt “okay,” only to develop symptoms hours or days later. This delay is common because adrenaline can mask symptoms in the immediate aftermath of an accident.
If you’ve recently been involved in a car accident, watch closely for symptoms such as:
- Persistent headaches
- Brain fog
- Dizziness
- Neck pain
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty concentrating
Even if the collision seemed minor, it’s still worth getting evaluated if symptoms appear.
How Concussions Are Treated
Concussion treatment focuses on supporting the brain’s natural healing process while managing symptoms. Recovery timelines vary from person to person, but most mild concussions improve within a few weeks.
Treatment typically includes a combination of rest, gradual return to activity, and addressing any related musculoskeletal injuries.
Rest and Recovery
In the early stages of concussion recovery, the brain benefits from reduced physical and cognitive stress.
This may include:
- Limiting screen time
- Taking breaks from mentally demanding tasks
- Avoiding strenuous exercise initially
- Prioritizing sleep and hydration
However, prolonged complete rest is no longer recommended. Current guidelines encourage gradual reintroduction of activity as symptoms allow.
Gradual Return to Activity
As symptoms begin to improve, patients are usually encouraged to slowly return to normal routines. This might involve:
- Short walks
- Light daily activities
- Slowly returning to work or school tasks
The key is progressing in a way that does not significantly worsen symptoms.
Addressing Neck and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Because many concussion patients also have associated neck injuries, treating the cervical spine can play an important role in recovery.
Chiropractic care may help address:
- Joint stiffness in the neck
- Muscle tension and spasms
- Postural strain following injury
- Restricted movement in the upper spine
Gentle chiropractic techniques can help restore normal movement to the neck and reduce tension that may be contributing to headaches or dizziness.
Massage Therapy for Muscle Tension
Massage therapy can also be helpful for patients experiencing muscle tightness in the neck, shoulders, and upper back after an accident.
Targeted soft tissue work may help:
- Reduce muscle tension
- Improve circulation
- Decrease headache frequency
- Promote relaxation during recovery
Many patients find that addressing muscular tension helps reduce lingering discomfort after a concussion.
Tips for Supporting Concussion Recovery
While every concussion is different, several strategies can help support the healing process:
Prioritize sleep. The brain performs many restorative processes during sleep, making it one of the most important parts of recovery.
Stay hydrated. Dehydration can worsen headaches and fatigue.
Limit overstimulation. Bright lights, loud environments, and excessive screen time may aggravate symptoms early on.
Ease back into activity. Gradual progress is key—pushing too hard too quickly can prolong symptoms.
Follow medical guidance. Always follow recommendations from your healthcare provider regarding return to work, exercise, or sports.
The Bottom Line
Concussions are common injuries that can occur in many situations, including motor vehicle accidents. While symptoms can be frustrating, most people recover well with proper care and a thoughtful approach to healing.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident and are experiencing headaches, dizziness, brain fog, or neck pain, it may be worth discussing your symptoms with a healthcare provider.
At Peak Performance, our team works with many patients recovering from No-Fault accident injuries, including concussions and associated neck pain. By addressing both the neurological and musculoskeletal components of injury, we aim to help patients return to their normal routines safely and comfortably.
If you suspect you may have suffered a concussion after an accident, don’t ignore the signs. Early evaluation and the right care plan can make a meaningful difference in your recovery.
Bethany Wolcott
D’Youville Chiropractic ‘26
