Injuries
Traumatic Brain Injury After a Car Accident
Understanding traumatic brain injury
Traumatic brain injury can occur in a motor vehicle accident when the head strikes part of the vehicle or when the brain is shaken by rapid deceleration. These injuries range across a spectrum, from concussion through to more serious brain injury, and effects may be physical, cognitive and emotional. Some symptoms appear immediately, while others emerge over hours or days, which is why careful and ongoing assessment matters. Any suspected brain injury should be taken seriously and reviewed by a doctor, and warning signs need urgent medical attention.
Common symptoms
Symptoms can take hours or days to appear after a crash. If you notice any of these, it's worth being assessed.
Headache that persists or worsens
Confusion, disorientation or memory gaps around the accident
Dizziness or problems with balance
Nausea or vomiting
Sensitivity to light or noise
Difficulty concentrating, slowed thinking or mental fatigue
Mood changes, irritability or low mood
Disturbed sleep or unusual drowsiness
Quick check
Not sure if it's serious?
How we help
We help assess concussion-spectrum symptoms by telehealth, document their nature and impact, and direct you to urgent or specialist care when that is the right step. For ongoing effects we support coordinated care, including psychology for cognitive and emotional recovery, and provide the medical certification the scheme requires for a CTP claim. We help you navigate the relevant paperwork so the process is clearer. Our focus is the medical side; questions about liability and compensation are best directed to a solicitor.
Treatment approach
CTP medical assessment and Certificate of Fitness
Screen for warning signs and direct to urgent or specialist care where indicated
Document cognitive, physical and emotional symptoms for the CTP claim
Support a structured, graded return to activity, work or study
Coordinate psychology for cognitive, mood and adjustment support
Review progress regularly and adjust the plan as recovery allows
When to see a doctor
Seek urgent medical care for any worsening headache, repeated vomiting, seizures, weakness, slurred speech, increasing drowsiness or difficulty waking, as these can signal a serious brain injury. Anyone who has lost consciousness or feels confused after a crash should be assessed promptly. For ongoing symptoms after the initial period, a telehealth assessment can guide care and documentation.
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.