Motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in the United States. While some TBIs are severe and immediately life-threatening, many accident victims suffer what doctors classify as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Despite the term “mild,” the consequences of an mTBI can be anything but minor. These injuries can significantly impact an individual’s health, daily functioning, and quality of life.
In this article, we will review the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of mild traumatic brain injury following a car accident, along with considerations accident victims should be aware of when pursuing medical care and potential legal claims.
What is a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury?
A mild traumatic brain injury is a disruption of normal brain function caused by a blow, jolt, or rapid acceleration-deceleration of the head. In motor vehicle accidents, this often occurs due to:
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The head striking part of the vehicle (steering wheel, dashboard, window).
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Whiplash forces that cause the brain to move inside the skull.
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Deployment of an airbag.
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Objects striking the head during a crash.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines an mTBI as a brain injury that may result in loss of consciousness (LOC) for less than 30 minutes, alteration of mental state, or post-traumatic amnesia lasting less than 24 hours.
Even without a loss of consciousness, a person can still sustain an mTBI and experience long-lasting symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Symptoms of an mTBI may appear immediately or develop over hours or even days after the accident. They can also be subtle, which sometimes leads accident victims to dismiss them as minor issues like stress or fatigue.
1. Physical Symptoms
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Headaches or migraines
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Dizziness or balance problems
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Nausea and vomiting
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Fatigue or drowsiness
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Sensitivity to light or noise
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Blurred vision or ringing in the ears
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Sleep disturbances (sleeping more or less than usual)
2. Cognitive Symptoms
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Difficulty concentrating
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Memory problems
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Feeling mentally “foggy” or slowed down
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Trouble finding words or processing information
3. Emotional and Behavioral Symptoms
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Irritability or mood swings
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Anxiety or depression
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Increased emotional sensitivity
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Reduced tolerance for stress
4. Red Flag Symptoms
While most mTBIs do not require surgical intervention, certain symptoms require immediate emergency care, as they may indicate a more serious brain injury:
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Worsening headaches
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Repeated vomiting
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Seizures
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Slurred speech
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Weakness or numbness in limbs
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Unequal pupil size
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Loss of consciousness that lasts longer than a few minutes
Because even mild TBIs can worsen if untreated, anyone involved in a car accident should seek prompt medical attention if symptoms appear.
Diagnosis of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Diagnosing an mTBI can be challenging, especially since imaging tests often appear normal. Many accident victims may feel dismissed if doctors say their CT or MRI scans “look fine,” but brain function may still be impaired.
1. Initial Evaluation
Physicians begin with a thorough review of the accident, symptoms, and medical history. They may use standardized tools such as:
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Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS): Measures eye opening, verbal response, and motor response. Scores between 13–15 typically indicate a mild TBI.
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Neurocognitive Screening Tests: Brief tests to assess memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills.
2. Imaging Studies
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CT Scan: Often used immediately after the accident to rule out bleeding or swelling in the brain.
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MRI: Provides more detailed imaging but may still show no abnormalities in mTBI cases.
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Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI): A specialized MRI technique that can reveal microscopic white matter damage, often associated with concussion.
3. Neuropsychological Testing
Neuropsychologists may perform detailed assessments of memory, attention, processing speed, and executive function. These tests are especially useful when symptoms persist for weeks or months.
4. Balance and Vestibular Testing
Since dizziness and balance issues are common, specialized tests may evaluate inner ear function and balance control.
Treatment of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Treatment of mTBI depends on the severity of symptoms, the individual’s overall health, and how symptoms progress over time. The goals of treatment are to manage symptoms, promote brain healing, and support the patient’s return to daily activities.
1. Acute Phase Treatment (First Days After Injury)
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Rest: Both physical and cognitive rest are recommended in the immediate aftermath. This means limiting physical exertion and reducing activities that require intense concentration (work, school, screen time).
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Pain Management: Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen may be used for headaches. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen are sometimes avoided initially due to bleeding risk.
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Monitoring: Family members are often advised to observe the injured person for worsening symptoms.
2. Gradual Return to Activity
Current medical guidelines recommend a stepwise return-to-activity protocol, where patients slowly reintroduce physical and mental tasks as tolerated:
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Rest until acute symptoms improve.
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Light activity (walking, household chores).
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Moderate activity (limited work or exercise).
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Full return to work, school, or physical activity once symptoms are resolved.
3. Symptom-Specific Treatments
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Vestibular Therapy: For dizziness and balance problems.
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Vision Therapy: For blurred vision, double vision, or difficulty with eye movements.
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Cognitive Rehabilitation: Helps improve attention, memory, and problem-solving skills.
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Psychological Support: Counseling or therapy for depression, anxiety, or emotional regulation problems.
4. Medications
There is no single drug to “cure” an mTBI, but medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms:
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Headache medications
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Sleep aids (when sleep disturbances are significant)
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Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications
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Stimulants for cognitive fatigue (in select cases)
5. Long-Term Management
Some individuals develop post-concussion syndrome (PCS), where symptoms last weeks, months, or longer. This condition may require ongoing care from a multidisciplinary team, including neurologists, psychologists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists.
Prognosis and Recovery
Most individuals with an mTBI recover within a few weeks to three months. However, a significant percentage experience persistent symptoms that interfere with work, school, and relationships. Recovery is influenced by:
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Age (older adults may recover more slowly)
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History of prior concussions or TBIs
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Pre-existing mental health conditions
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Severity and duration of initial symptoms
In cases where symptoms significantly impair daily functioning, accident victims may need extended medical care and accommodations at work or school.
Legal Considerations After an mTBI in a Motor Vehicle Accident
For accident victims, a mild traumatic brain injury can be life-changing. From a legal standpoint, proving an mTBI can be more challenging than proving other physical injuries, since diagnostic imaging may appear normal. However, medical records, neuropsychological testing, and testimony from treating physicians can establish the impact of the injury.
A skilled personal injury attorney can help victims recover compensation for:
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Medical expenses
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Rehabilitation costs
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Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
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Pain and suffering
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Emotional distress
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Loss of enjoyment of life
Given the often subtle but lasting consequences of mTBI, accident victims should seek legal guidance to ensure their rights are protected.
Conclusion
Mild traumatic brain injuries are common after motor vehicle accidents, but they are anything but insignificant. Symptoms can affect every aspect of a person’s life, from work performance to emotional well-being. Diagnosis requires careful medical evaluation, and treatment often involves a team of specialists.
While many individuals recover fully, others experience persistent symptoms that require long-term care and accommodations. Recognizing the signs of mTBI early, seeking appropriate medical treatment, and consulting with a legal professional are essential steps for anyone who has sustained a head injury in a car accident.
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury in a motor vehicle accident, it’s important to seek both medical and legal help to protect your health and your future.