Shock vs. Concussion – How to Identify Concussion Symptoms After a Car Accident

This type of shock is the form you may hear about most. Emotional shock happens when you are in a traumatic situation, like a car accident. In these situations, it can be difficult to process what’s happening around you, so your body goes into shock. You might feel disassociated, as if you’re having an out-of-body experience. In some cases, you may not even feel pain from the surge of adrenaline running through you. When experiencing emotional shock, you may find yourself panicking, or you may freeze up or faint. These are all normal reactions to have toward trauma, and in time, will go away. It’s important to note that untreated shock may develop into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but talking to a therapist or someone close to you can help.

Physical shock frequently occurs in cases of severe injury, internal injury, or significant blood loss. Shock causes your body to shut down your vital organs as a way to prevent further damage and blood loss. It can happen immediately or be delayed, sometimes not appearing until days after the initial trauma. If left untreated, shock could be life-threatening. If you suspect you might be going into physical shock, seek medical care right away.

• Fatigue
• Balance Issues
• Mood Changes
• Concentration or Memory Issues
• Sensitivity to Light or Noise
• Loss of consciousness
• Nausea
• Vision Changes

Some of these symptoms are similar to shock. The key to distinguishing your symptoms between shock and a concussion is to receive medical attention as soon as possible. For effective treatment, both conditions require professional evaluation. It’s also important to speak to a medical provider to ensure there are no other injuries or issues that need attention.