Hitting Your Head on the Car Roof: Understanding Concussion Risk

Yesterday, a fellow ran into a situation where they accidentally hit their head on the roof of their car while getting in. They are worried that this might have caused a concussion. This article provides information to help such individuals understand the risks involved, the signs to look out for, and when to seek medical attention.

Did You Get a Concussion?

The impact of hitting your head on the car roof, even if it was quite hard, does not necessarily mean you have a concussion. Most likely, you might have a lump due to a bruised scalp, along with a headache, which is a common experience after such an incident.

Concussions, on the other hand, typically involve more severe symptoms and physical impacts. For a concussion to occur, the force of the impact must be significant enough to make the brain move in the skull resulting in a collision with the skull or a shift of the brain within the skull.

Signs of a Concussion

Concussions are usually accompanied by signs such as:

Feeling dazed or disoriented Dizziness or balance problems Confusion Visual disturbances Feeling nauseous or vomiting Sensitivity to light or noise Fatigue or insomnia Mood changes or irritability

While collecting and assessing such symptoms is important, for most minor incidents, like hitting your head on the car roof, these symptoms are unlikely to present.

Pathophysiology of Concussions

For concussions to occur, the brain must hit the inside of the skull. This may result in two points of injury: the site where the brain initially impacts the skull (coup) and the opposite side where the brain hits again (countercoup). Such injuries can be hard to sustain in a simple incident like backing into a car, as the force would need to be significant to cause these specific injuries.

Often, minor damages go unnoticed, especially if the person does not have any of the symptoms mentioned earlier. Repeated blows to the head can accumulate and lead to more serious consequences, as seen in boxers and football players who develop Multiple Concussion Syndrome (MCS).

What Should You Do?

While most minor incidents will resolve on their own, it's essential to monitor for any signs of a concussion. If you experience any of the symptoms listed, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional:

If you feel:

Confused Dizzy or disoriented Headache Nauseous or vomiting Visual disturbances Sensitivity to light or sound

Seek medical advice to rule out any injury and receive appropriate treatment.

Managing Concussions

Proper management of concussions is crucial for full recovery. Treatment typically involves resting the brain and body, avoiding activities that might exacerbate symptoms, and gradually resuming normal activities as the individual feels better. Complete rest, both physically and mentally, is often recommended for a period of 30 days to allow the brain to heal.

For optimal healing, it's essential to:

Avoid bright lights and screens Avoid intense physical activity Reduce mental stimulation Get plenty of sleep

In cases of multiple concussions or severe symptoms, prolonged rest and more intensive medical care may be necessary. It's crucial to follow healthcare provider's advice and avoid resuming physical or mental activities too quickly.

Conclusion

Hitting your head on the car roof, while uncomfortable, is generally not enough to cause a concussion. However, if you are concerned about your health or experience any unusual symptoms, it's crucial to consult a medical professional. Understanding the signs, symptoms, and proper management of concussions is key to ensuring a full and safe recovery.