It’s not an uncommon scenario: a cyclist involved in a crash with a vehicle driver miraculously avoids broken bones and other major injuries – but within a week a headache lingers, normal sleep habits change, and sensitivities to light and sound don’t seem to let up. It’s likely a concussion.
It’s possible this mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) was overlooked at the time of the crash. Even when a cyclist gets checked out by a health care clinician right after the incident, there’s no guarantee that the clinician will diagnose a TBI. Mild TBI cases, which can be anything but, are often misdiagnosed or overlooked because symptoms can be wide ranging and sometimes don’t appear until days after the crash when the adrenaline has settled.
This is a common experience the staff at Bay Area Bicycle Law hears from clients. Some cyclists think they are lucky to escape being seriously injured by a driver who was negligent, but as days pass, it becomes obvious that even unseen injuries can be impactful and “mild” TBIs turn out to be a serious matter.
Our goal is to help cyclists who encounter these traumatic brain injuries through the personal injury legal process. You’ll likely have many questions about experiencing a concussion or mTBI after a crash and what you need to do. A free consultation is a great place to start. Talk to a person on our staff today by calling (415) 466-8717.
How frequently is a TBI missed?
Scientific research continues to show that concussions, which happen after a blow or jolt to the head, are notoriously under-diagnosed. From athletes, to seniors, to children, studies point to the difficulties of spotting an mTBI for a variety of reasons, but one thing is for sure: it’s important to diagnose these injuries to aid in recovery and future health.
Simply put, TBIs are difficult to diagnose, says sports medicine expert Dr. Kevin Guskiewicz. Because they’re not usually obvious to the naked eye, like a broken bone or road rash might be, and may require more advanced diagnostic testing such as imaging, concussions and mild TBIs often go undiagnosed.
Symptoms, which can include headache, memory problems, ringing in the ears, sleep issues, and more, sometimes don’t warrant a person to seek immediate care from a trained physician, and even when they do, a concussion is commonly dismissed. Unless the patient faces serious health conditions, it’s unlikely a physician will order imaging. Additionally, some imaging may not even pick up a concussion.
Read More: Cycling and Head Injuries: What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Over a decade ago, researchers in Boston revealed that in one analysis nearly one-third of athletes sustained previously undiagnosed concussions, which are associated with higher post concussion symptom scale scores and increase the likelihood of more serious symptoms with future concussions.
“Failure to diagnose concussions in athletes can lead to further insults to the brain prior to full recovery, exposing these athletes to the cumulative effects of injuries and an increased risk of second impact syndrome,” the researchers wrote in their findings.
The same is true for nearly every population. Missed concussions aren’t a rarity, and long-term impacts are likely if the proper care isn’t taken when the injury first occurs.
In a 2020 study, Philadelphia researchers found that children who experienced a delayed diagnosis of a TBI “had more medical visits during recovery, longer average time to symptom resolution, and a higher likelihood of having persistent concussion symptoms.”
These research studies are a cautionary tale for cyclists, who end up in emergency departments at high rates for TBIs.
What to do if your TBI diagnosis is delayed
Even if after a crash you only feel shaken up, but no serious symptoms present right away, it’s important to get checked out and keep an eye on whether symptoms develop in the following days.
Getting a clinician’s opinion might not always result in a diagnosis right away, but you’ll at least have some assurance you’ve been seen by a professional. They can also answer any questions you might have about the crash, symptoms, and concerns. They’ll be an important resource throughout your recovery.
Not getting a diagnosis right away may have long-term consequences, especially if you’re not treating the brain injury, but it’s important to keep up on care and seek the right professionals if needed. A headache or other symptoms may develop in the days following the bicycle crash. If they do, seek care. Mild TBIs can have a range of symptoms, so it’s better to err on the side of caution.
After the crash, even if you don’t suspect immediately that you have a concussion or mTBI, keep detailed notes on your condition. This will help health care providers understand your symptoms, severity, and how the injury is progressing. TBIs can affect memory, so notes will help. They may also play an important role in a lawsuit later on.
READ MORE: Can You Sue for a Concussion After a Bike Crash?
It’s important to know that many people with concussions are diagnosed and recover perfectly fine. As research, protocols, and care continue to develop and evolve, the outlook for cyclists with TBI — and everybody — may be even brighter. Because diagnosis is imperfect and symptoms can be confusing, it’s important to remain vigilant about symptoms after a crash, document as much as you can, and seek help from the right resources, including from trusted health care providers and experienced legal experts.