Post-Accident Memory Loss and Headaches: Brain Injuries

Headache after amnesia due to a car accident?

Hello Dr.
Chang, my father (62 years old) was in a car accident on January 3rd.
His reaction was slow at the time, and he was unable to answer my mother’s questions about how the accident happened over the phone.
When we arrived at the hospital to find him, he had only bruises on his hands and waist, with no other external injuries.
However, we immediately noticed that my father, while at the payment counter, could not remember anything that happened after the accident, including the emergency doctor's questioning and a phone conversation with my mother just over half an hour earlier.
My mother had just left to get medication, and my father asked why she hadn’t come back yet.

Dr.
Chang, could this memory loss, slowed speech, and slow walking indicate a concussion? Later that day, on the way home, my father complained of a headache.
After three to five days, he began to feel a slight swelling sensation when shaking his head, but felt fine when not moving his head.
His daily life was normal, with only slightly slower reactions, and he was still able to work.

At the end of February, he experienced dizziness and weakness on the right side, which felt serious.
After examination, he was diagnosed with subdural hematoma and has successfully undergone surgery.
I would like to ask if he should have sought medical attention on the day of the accident, or if there were any steps that were overlooked during the process that led to the need for surgery.
I hope to learn from this experience to prevent any future incidents.
Thank you, Dr.
Chang.

A Zhu, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/03/23

Dr. Zhang Junwei reply Neurosurgery

1.
Yes, it is a concussion.
2.
Chronic subdural hematoma cannot be predicted in advance; we can only respond to it as it arises.

Reply Date: 2024/03/23

More Info

After a traumatic event such as a car accident, it is not uncommon for individuals to experience memory loss, confusion, and headaches. Your father's symptoms following the accident, including slow responses, inability to recall events, and subsequent headaches, suggest that he may have suffered from a concussion or other forms of traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Concussions are a type of mild TBI that can occur when the brain is jolted or shaken inside the skull, often due to a blow to the head or a sudden movement. Symptoms can include confusion, memory loss, headaches, dizziness, and slowed reaction times. In your father's case, the immediate memory loss and confusion about recent events, such as the phone call with your mother, are indicative of a concussion.
The fact that he experienced headaches and a sensation of swelling in his head after the accident further supports the possibility of a concussion. However, the development of more severe symptoms, such as right-sided weakness and dizziness, which led to a diagnosis of subdural hematoma (a type of bleeding that occurs between the brain and its outer covering), indicates that there may have been a more serious injury that was not initially apparent.

In cases of head trauma, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately, especially if symptoms such as confusion, memory loss, or persistent headaches occur. While some individuals may recover from a concussion with rest and monitoring, others may develop complications that require medical intervention, such as surgery to relieve pressure from bleeding in the brain.

In your father's situation, it would have been prudent to have him evaluated by a medical professional immediately after the accident, given his symptoms. A thorough examination, including imaging studies like a CT scan or MRI, could have identified any internal bleeding or other injuries that might not have been evident at first glance.
Moving forward, it is essential to monitor for any changes in symptoms and to seek immediate medical care if new symptoms arise or if existing symptoms worsen. Education about the signs of TBI can help prevent future complications.
In summary, your father's symptoms are consistent with a concussion and potentially more severe brain injury. Immediate medical evaluation after the accident could have provided a clearer understanding of his condition and possibly prevented the need for surgical intervention later on. It is crucial to be vigilant about head injuries and to prioritize medical assessment in the event of trauma.

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