Be Grounded Counselling
Dizzy or Headache —
Could It Be a Concussion?
Common symptoms, the recovery process, precautions, and when to seek medical care — everything you need to know about concussions. Even without your head directly hitting anything, a sudden back-and-forth jolt of the head during a car accident can cause a concussion. Many people appear uninjured after an accident and assume they're fine, but concussion symptoms can sometimes be delayed, appearing days later.
This page is for educational reference only and is not a diagnostic tool. If you suspect a concussion, please see a doctor as soon as possible.
Common Concussion Symptoms
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Headache, dizziness
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Confusion, unclear thinking
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Memory difficulty
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Sensitivity to light or sound
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Nausea, feeling sick
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Fatigue, tired even after sleeping
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Trouble concentrating
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Mood swings
Some people notice symptoms right away, while many others don't realize something's wrong until hours — or even days — later.
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When to seek care immediately — these are red flags
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Any loss of consciousness, even for a few seconds
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Persistent or worsening headache, repeated vomiting
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Slurred speech or unusual behaviour
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Weakness or numbness on one side, difficulty waking up
It's generally recommended to see a doctor within 24–48 hours of a suspected concussion; if any of the red flags above appear, go to the ER right away.
How long does recovery take?
Most people recover within days to weeks with proper rest and medical guidance, though some may need several months for full recovery. If symptoms persist beyond two months, it may develop into Post-Concussion Syndrome.
What to Do During Recovery
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Return to Activity Gradually
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Don't rush back to your normal pace as soon as symptoms ease up — doing so can actually prolong recovery
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Limit Screen Time
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Especially during active symptoms, cut back on screen use
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Maintain a Regular Sleep Schedule and Stay Hydrated
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Consistent sleep and adequate fluid intake support brain recovery
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Track Your Symptoms
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Useful for follow-up appointments and when applying for related ICBC benefits
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Avoid Driving Until Cleared
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Hold off on driving until a doctor confirms it's safe to resume
Common Questions
Q: I didn't hit my head — does that mean I can't have a concussion?
A: Not necessarily. A rapid back-and-forth jolt of the head alone can cause the brain to move inside the skull — a direct impact isn't required to cause a concussion.
Q: My CT/MRI came back normal — does that mean I don't have a concussion?
A: Not necessarily. Concussions often don't show up on imaging tests. Doctors primarily diagnose based on symptoms and medical history.
Q: Is a concussion related to emotional symptoms after trauma?
A: It's possible. Mood swings and reduced concentration during concussion recovery sometimes overlap with psychological trauma responses. If this persists, see "PTSD After a Car Accident" for more information.
