Head Injury After an Accident: When to Seek Care in Central Indiana

In Central Indiana, where high-traffic areas like I-465 and US-31 see thousands of vehicles daily, collisions are an unfortunate reality.

While it’s natural to focus on visible injuries or vehicle damage after an accident, it’s critical to also watch for signs of a head injury—one of the most serious and often overlooked outcomes of a crash.

Knowing the symptoms of a head injury and seeking timely medical care can make all the difference in protecting your long-term health.

What to Watch Out Right After an Accident

The first few hours after a head injury are crucial. The following symptoms may indicate a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that requires immediate medical attention:

• Loss of consciousness: Even a brief blackout is a major warning sign.
• Seizures or convulsions: Uncontrolled shaking or muscle spasms.
• Repeated vomiting or nausea: This could signal dangerous pressure inside the skull.
• Slurred speech or confusion: Difficulty speaking or understanding others.
• Worsening headache: A persistent or intensifying headache is a red flag.

With Indiana reporting over 3,000 serious injuries from car accidents annually, recognizing these symptoms and acting quickly can save your life or prevent more severe damage.

What to Look for in the Days After

Not all head injury symptoms appear immediately. In fact, it’s common for signs of a concussion or other brain trauma to emerge hours or even days after the accident. Even if you felt fine at the scene, it’s important to monitor your health closely in the following 24 to 48 hours.

Central Indiana’s busy roadways, combined with long commutes, increase the likelihood of accidents. If you’ve been in a collision, watch for these delayed symptoms:

• Persistent headache or neck pain: A dull ache that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter medication.
• Dizziness or balance issues: Feeling unsteady or like the room is spinning.
• Extreme fatigue or drowsiness: Feeling unusually tired or lacking energy.
• Sensitivity to light or noise: Bright lights or loud sounds may feel overwhelming.
• Blurry vision or vision changes: Trouble focusing or seeing double.

While these symptoms might seem minor, they should never be ignored. Seeking medical care can help identify and treat underlying issues before they worsen.

Why Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care is Your Best Choice

A head injury after an accident is not something to take lightly. By recognizing the symptoms and seeking timely care, you can protect yourself from long-term complications. If you’re ever in doubt, trust Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care to provide compassionate, expert care for you and your family.

As the only health system in Hamilton County offering ER and urgent care services under one roof, our state-of-the-art facilities are equipped with advanced diagnostic tools, including CT scans and imaging, to quickly assess and treat head injuries.

The ER is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The urgent care center is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. No appointments are necessary for in-person visits.

Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care has four convenient locations:

• Riverview Health Westfield Hospital is located at 17600 Shamrock Blvd, Westfield, IN 46074, and may be reached at 317.214.5555.
• Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care Carmel is located at 14585 Hazel Dell Pkwy., Carmel, IN 46033, and may be reached at 317.406.4280.
• Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care Fishers is located at 9690 E. 116th St., Fishers, IN 46037, and may be reached at 317.406.4585.
• Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care West Carmel/Zionsville is located at 10830 N. Michigan Rd., Zionsville, IN 46077, and may be reached at 317.406.4713.