Yes, whiplash can sometimes cause a brain injury, especially after a major car accident. While whiplash is typically viewed as a neck injury, the sudden back-and-forth motion from a crash can also impact the brain and lead to neurological symptoms.
If you’re experiencing ongoing effects of whiplash after a crash, it’s worth speaking to a San Luis Obispo brain injury lawyer at Ernst Law Group. We’re here to help you understand what’s happening and guide you toward recovery.
How does whiplash lead to brain injury?
When the body is affected by a car crash, one of the most common injuries is whiplash. It occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and backward, often during rear-end motor vehicle accidents. This motion can stretch and strain the soft tissues in the neck, including muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
In more serious cases, the brain may be jolted inside the skull. This can cause a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), like a concussion, even if you didn’t hit your head directly.
Here’s how a head injury may result from whiplash:
- The rapid motion reduces blood flow to some regions of the brain
- It causes microscopic damage to neurons or brain structures
- There’s swelling or inflammation affecting the spinal cord or brainstem
- The injury affects cognitive functions like memory, balance, and concentration
What are the symptoms of brain injury after whiplash?
Many of the symptoms of whiplash and acquired brain injury are similar, which makes it important to monitor your health closely after a crash. Some symptoms show up right away, while others may take days or weeks to appear.
Watch for these brain injury signs:
- Headaches or pressure behind the eyes
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Blurred vision or sensitivity to light
- Trouble concentrating or remembering things
- Fatigue, irritability, or mood swings
- Tingling or numbness in the arms and hands
- Neck pain or stiffness with limited range of motion
These may be signs of a whiplash-associated disorder or a more serious neurological issue. Left untreated, symptoms can worsen and affect your long-term well-being.
How are brain injuries from whiplash diagnosed and treated?
If you’ve been in a car accident and are dealing with any of the symptoms above, your doctor may run imaging tests like an MRI or CT scan to rule out internal bleeding, skull fractures, or spinal cord injuries.
Even if these scans don’t show clear signs of trauma, you may still be dealing with a mild TBI. In those cases, diagnosis often relies on a careful review of your symptoms and neurological evaluations.
Common brain injury rehabilitation options include:
- Physical therapy to help with neck mobility and soft tissue healing
- Cognitive therapy for memory or concentration issues
- Pain management, including medications or injections
- Rest and gradual return to activity to support brain recovery
Can whiplash cause long-term brain damage?
In rare but serious cases, yes. A whiplash injury can cause chronic pain or post-concussive syndrome. Recovery may take weeks, months, or longer, especially if symptoms were misdiagnosed or left untreated.
That’s why early recognition and the right medical care matter. If your neurological symptoms are interfering with your ability to work, think clearly, or enjoy daily life, it’s time to talk to a lawyer who understands the stakes.
Talk to a California brain injury lawyer today
Brain injuries are often misunderstood or dismissed, even though they can have lasting and life-altering effects. At Ernst Law Group, we focus on representing individuals with traumatic brain injuries and other serious complications from car accidents. We understand both the medical science behind these injuries and the legal strategies needed to prove them in court.
Our experienced attorneys work with top medical experts, cover all upfront costs, and don’t get paid unless you win. We’ve helped secure life-changing results, like the $10.23 million jury verdict awarded to a young boy with severe brain damage after a bicycle accident in Los Osos. That’s the kind of advocacy we bring to every case.
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury, don’t wait. Call Ernst Law Group at (805) 541-0300 or contact us online for a free consultation. Let us help you fight for the care and compensation you deserve.
