Injuries
Concussion & Head Injury After a Car Accident
Understanding concussion & head injury
Concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by impact or rapid deceleration during a motor vehicle accident. Unlike a broken bone, there is often nothing visible on standard imaging — but the effects on cognition, mood, and daily function can be profound. Headaches, confusion, light sensitivity, memory difficulties, and persistent fatigue are common. Concussion can significantly affect work capacity and quality of life, and recovery requires a structured, graded approach rather than simply resting and waiting.
Common symptoms
Symptoms can take hours or days to appear after a crash. If you notice any of these, it's worth being assessed.
Persistent headache or pressure in the head
Confusion or feeling mentally foggy
Sensitivity to light or noise
Memory difficulties and trouble concentrating
Fatigue that is disproportionate to activity
Dizziness or balance problems
Irritability or changes in mood
Difficulty sleeping or sleeping more than usual
Quick check
Not sure if it's serious?
How we help
We assess the severity of your concussion using validated clinical tools and build a graded return-to-activity plan that protects your brain while progressively restoring function. This includes monitoring cognitive symptoms, coordinating psychology where mood or anxiety is affected, and managing your work capacity documentation. Concussion recovery is not just about physical rest — it requires careful management of cognitive load, screen time, and activity progression. We coordinate all of this under your CTP claim.
Treatment approach
CTP medical assessment with concussion-specific screening
Graded return-to-activity and return-to-work planning
Cognitive load management and symptom monitoring
Psychology referral for mood, anxiety, or adjustment difficulties
Physiotherapy for vestibular or balance-related symptoms
Ongoing review to track recovery milestones
When to see a doctor
If you have hit your head or experienced rapid deceleration in a car accident and are experiencing headaches, confusion, memory issues, or unusual fatigue, see a doctor as soon as possible. Concussion symptoms can worsen without proper management, and early assessment sets the foundation for a safe recovery.
Not an emergency? Book an assessment. If symptoms are severe or worsening, call 000.
Frequently asked questions
Next step
See a CTP doctor about it
Often seen within the week. Telehealth across NSW, or in person where appropriate. No claim number needed to start.