Why Seeking Treatment Immediately Is Critical
When you’re involved in an accident, such as a motor vehicle wreck or a slip-and-fall, and you experience trauma to your head or neck, the steps you take immediately after the accident can have a significant impact on your recovery. As a general rule, the sooner you seek medical care, the more options you have and the better your chances of making a full recovery.
The First Step After a Head Injury
The first thing to do after any bump or blow to your head or neck is to seek medical attention. Even if you have no symptoms, or just a minor headache or nausea, you want to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician as soon as possible. Often, the adrenaline from an accident can mask pain and other symptoms.
If you have a significant blow to the head, or your neck snaps violently back and forth in an accident, don’t wait for an appointment with your doctor. Go to an urgent care facility or hospital emergency department. Especially if you have any loss of consciousness, you need to seek emergency medical care at once.
Why Do I Need Immediate Medical Care?
The hours and minutes immediately following a head injury are critical. Your brain can experience swelling and inflammation, which can quickly become dangerous if your brain presses against the inside of your skull. Experienced medical professionals can monitor your situation and take the necessary steps to relieve that pressure.
The other important result of immediate treatment by your primary care physician is that, if necessary, you will get a referral to either a neurologist or a physiatrist, the only two types of medical specialists in the United States who are certified to treat concussions and traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Contact Us to Set Up an Appointment
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we have extensive experience working successfully with individuals who suffer a concussion or other type of TBI. Call us toll-free at 1-877-487-8289 or fill out the form provided below to schedule an assessment. We offer locations across Texas, including Fort Worth, Dallas, and San Antonio.
