Concussion education / Orlando & Central Florida

Concussion Symptoms Days After an I-4 Crash in Orlando

Felt fine after a crash on I-4, SR 408 or US-192, then headaches started days later? Why delayed concussion symptoms happen and what to do.

You walked away from the crash, exchanged information and went home. Then, two or three days later, the headaches started, or you could not focus at work. That experience is common, and it deserves to be taken seriously.

Driving I-4 and the Orlando toll roads

I-4 through Orlando, SR 408, SR 417 and US-192 in Kissimmee are busy with commuters, visitors in rental cars and rideshare stops along International Drive. After a crash, adrenaline and the stress of dealing with police, insurance and a damaged car can hide symptoms. Many people in Orlando, Kissimmee, Sanford and Clermont tell their provider that the headache, fog or trouble sleeping only became clear a few days later.

Why symptoms can show up later

Some concussion symptoms appear or become noticeable hours or days after an injury. The CDC advises watching for symptoms after an injury because they may not appear right away, and many people only notice a problem once they return to work, screens or driving.

Delayed does not mean minor. If symptoms appear or get worse in the days after a crash, let a provider know.

Common concussion symptoms

• Physical: headache, nausea, dizziness, balance problems, blurry vision, sensitivity to light or noise.
• Thinking: feeling foggy or slowed down, trouble concentrating or remembering.
• Emotional: irritability, sadness, anxiety.
• Sleep: sleeping more or less than usual.

When to go to the emergency room

Call 911 or go to the nearest ER right away for danger signs such as a headache that gets worse and does not go away, repeated vomiting, weakness or numbness, slurred speech, seizures, unusual confusion, one pupil larger than the other, or loss of consciousness. In the area, hospitals with emergency departments include Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center and AdventHealth Orlando; in an emergency, go to whichever ER is closest.

Getting checked in Orlando & Central Florida

If symptoms are not severe but are not going away, start with your treating provider, such as your primary care doctor, chiropractor, orthopedist, pain management physician or physical therapist. Keep a short symptom diary to share with them. If they decide objective testing makes sense, they can refer you to Braintree. We are a mobile service: our team brings concussion and TBI testing to your provider's office across Orlando & Central Florida, so you are tested somewhere familiar. Your provider receives a physician-reviewed diagnostic report and decides on your care.

Not sure where to start? Call our help line at 813-709-3771. We can walk you through how testing works and help you think about next steps for getting checked and finding care. You can also read our guide for patients and families.

For local providers

If you treat accident or injury patients in Orlando, Kissimmee, Sanford and Clermont, Braintree brings mobile concussion and TBI testing to your office and returns a physician-reviewed diagnostic report. You stay in charge of care. We diagnose. You treat. See how it works for providers or send a referral.

For legal teams

Personal injury firms serving Orlando & Central Florida can learn how testing at the client's treating provider's office produces objective, physician-reviewed diagnostic reports. Testing is ordered by the treating provider. See information for attorneys.

Frequently asked questions

Related: Concussion testing in Orlando & Central Florida | Concussion testing in Florida | For patients and families | Call 813-709-3771

Sources

• CDC: About mild TBI and concussion
• CDC HEADS UP: Concussion signs and symptoms
• NIH NINDS: Traumatic Brain Injury

This article is educational and is not medical or legal advice. If this is a medical emergency, call 911.