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What is the difference between whiplash and a concussion?

In a car accident, the two most common injuries victims suffer are whiplash and a concussion. Many people believe these two injuries are the same. However, they are not. Many people confuse these injuries because they don’t understand that a person can suffer either or both of these injuries at the same time. Understanding the differences between these injuries is important to ensure you are receiving proper medical care after a collision. Keep reading to learn more about these injuries and how our dedicated Westchester County Car Accident Attorneys can help you navigate your legal options. 

Can I suffer whiplash and a concussion in the same accident?

Whiplash and concussion injuries are often confused because they occur as the result of the same incident. When a collision occurs, the impact causes the head to jolt forward and backward violently. This jerking motion often causes severe strain on the neck and causes the brain to collide with the side of the skull. It is not uncommon for victims of car accidents to sustain both of these injuries simultaneously. However, whiplash is a neck injury while a concussion is a head injury. More specifically a concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). Although whiplash involves the head being forcefully thrust forward and backward, it is not a head injury like a concussion. A concussion is an injury to the brain itself.

Moreover, one of the main reasons why many people confuse these two injuries is because they can have similar symptoms. These overlapping symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, cognitive decline, aching, and nausea. In addition to having similar symptoms, these injuries may not have immediate effects after an accident which is why it is imperative to seek immediate medical attention after a collision. Furthermore, despite their similar symptoms, they have distinct differences that help separate them. Whiplash symptoms may include but are not limited to neck stiffness, loss of range of motion in the neck, tingling or numbness in the arms, and tenderness in the shoulder and arms. Concussion symptoms may include but are not limited to light sensitivity, confusion, trouble thinking, memory loss, diminished coordination, and severe headaches. It is imperative to have your injuries examined by healthcare professionals who will be able to properly diagnose your injuries. This will ensure you receive the proper treatment to help you recover. If you do not seek medical attention, you could wind up developing, depending on the severity of your injuries, post-concussion syndrome (PCS) and whiplash-associated disorder (WAD) which can cause you to experience symptoms of these injuries for several years after a collision.

In the unfortunate event that you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident as a result of another person’s negligence, please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our determined and trusted attorneys. We are prepared to represent your interests in court to seek reasonable compensation for your damages.

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