Concussion After a Car Accident: What to Do After the ER Visit

CT Junction Brain & Spine • October 30, 2026

Concussion After a Car Accident: What to Do After the ER Visit

You were in a car accident, the emergency room diagnosed a concussion, and you were sent home to rest. A week later, you still feel off. Headaches, neck pain, nausea, trouble focusing, or poor sleep are common reasons Waterbury and Greater Connecticut drivers reach out to us after a crash.

The ER plays an important role. Its job is to rule out emergencies such as bleeding in the brain or a fracture. What it usually does not do is evaluate how your brain, eyes, inner ear, and neck are functioning in the days and weeks that follow. That is where follow-up concussion care comes in.

Why Car Accidents Often Cause Both Concussion and Neck Injury

A collision can whip the head forward and back in a fraction of a second. That motion can cause a concussion even without a direct hit to the head, and it often strains the neck at the same time. Because whiplash and concussion symptoms overlap, it helps to have both evaluated together. Learn more in our post on why neck injuries often happen with concussions.

What to Do in the Days After the ER

Follow your discharge instructions, limit screens and strenuous activity early on, and write down your symptoms each day. Note what makes them better or worse. Keep copies of your ER records and any imaging, since a follow-up provider will want to review them.

Warning Signs That Need Emergency Care

Return to the ER or call 911 if you notice a headache that gets worse and does not go away, repeated vomiting, seizures, slurred speech, weakness or numbness, increasing confusion, or unusual drowsiness. These can signal a more serious injury.

When to Schedule a Concussion Evaluation

If symptoms are lingering, coming and going, or affecting work, school, driving, or sleep, it is a good time to be evaluated. At CT Junction Brain & Spine, our concussion care evaluation looks at eye movement, balance, and neurological function, and our chiropractic care addresses related neck pain. See what happens during an evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Should I see a doctor after the ER diagnosed my concussion?

    Yes, follow-up care is a good idea if your symptoms have not resolved. The ER focuses on ruling out emergencies, not on long-term recovery. A concussion provider can assess how your brain, eyes, balance system, and neck are functioning and build a plan to address the symptoms that are still affecting you.

  • Can you get a concussion in a car accident without hitting your head?

    Yes. The rapid back-and-forth motion of the head during a collision can cause the brain to move inside the skull. That movement alone can lead to a concussion, which is why many people who never struck their head still develop symptoms after a crash.

  • How soon after a car accident should I get a concussion evaluation?

    If symptoms continue beyond the first several days, it is reasonable to schedule an evaluation. You do not need to wait weeks. Earlier assessment helps identify which systems are affected so care can be targeted, and it creates a clear record of your symptoms.

  • Why do I have neck pain and headaches after my accident?

    Neck pain and headaches often appear together after a crash because whiplash can strain the muscles and joints of the neck while a concussion affects the brain. Each can contribute to headaches, so both should be evaluated to find the source.

  • What should I bring to my first appointment?

    Bring your ER or urgent care records, any imaging reports, a list of your symptoms and when they started, your insurance information, and details about the accident. If you are working with an attorney or have an open insurance claim, bring that information as well.

Get Help With Your Recovery in Waterbury, CT

If you are still struggling after a car accident concussion, CT Junction Brain & Spine can help. With two Waterbury locations on Meriden Road and Watertown Avenue, we accept most major insurance plans. Contact us today to schedule your evaluation.

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