For patients & families
Hurt in an Accident? Concussion Testing in Florida
An accident or injury can leave you shaken in ways that are hard to put into words. If you or someone you love has been hurt, you are not alone.
This page explains concussion signs to watch for, when to get emergency care, and how to ask your provider about testing. Take it one step at a time.
We're here to support you through this difficult time.
Get emergency care first
Call 911 or go to the ER right away if you notice:
- A headache that gets worse or will not go away
- Repeated vomiting or nausea
- Seizures or convulsions
- Unusual drowsiness or trouble waking up
- Slurred speech, weakness, numbness or poor coordination
- One pupil larger than the other
- Confusion, restlessness or agitation that grows
- Passing out, even briefly
Braintree is not an emergency service. If you are worried, please get emergency care first.
Need help? Call 813-709-3771
Not sure whether you should get checked, or where to start? Call us. We can explain how concussion testing works and help you find care near you in Florida.
Any kind of injury
Concussions happen in many ways
A concussion can follow any hard jolt to the head or body. Whatever happened, your symptoms deserve attention.
Car and auto accidents
The sudden stop of a collision can shake the brain, even at low speeds and even if your head never hit anything.
Slips and falls
Falls are a leading cause of brain injury, especially for older adults and young children. A fall on stairs, ice or a wet floor can be enough.
Work injuries
Falls from ladders, struck-by accidents and equipment injuries on the job can all cause a concussion. Let your employer and doctor know how you feel.
Sports and recreation
Tackles, collisions and falls in football, soccer, cheer, cycling and other activities are common causes. When in doubt, sit out and get checked.
Assaults
If someone hurt you, your safety and health come first. A blow to the head can cause a concussion, and getting checked is part of caring for yourself.
Other head impacts
Hitting your head on a cabinet, door or car frame, or a fall from a bike or scooter, can still cause symptoms worth mentioning to your provider.
Source: CDC: TBI Facts and Stats.
Common symptoms
Concussion signs after an injury
A concussion is a brain injury that can happen from a jolt to the head or body, even without hitting your head. Symptoms may start right away or show up hours or days later.
Physical
- Headache or pressure
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Nausea
- Blurry or double vision
- Sensitivity to light or noise
Thinking
- Feeling foggy or slowed down
- Trouble concentrating
- Memory gaps
- Confusion about recent events
Mood
- Irritability
- Feeling sad or anxious
- Being more emotional than usual
Sleep
- Sleeping more or less than usual
- Trouble falling asleep
- Feeling tired all the time
Sources: CDC HEADS UP: Signs and Symptoms · NIH NINDS: Traumatic Brain Injury. This page is general information, not medical advice.
Need help? Call 813-709-3771
Questions about symptoms after an injury? We can walk you through getting checked and how testing is arranged with your provider. In an emergency, call 911.
Why it matters
Feeling "mostly fine" is common
Right after an accident or injury, adrenaline and the stress of the day can hide how you really feel. Many people only notice headaches, fog or poor sleep later, once life slows down.
Small changes are worth mentioning to your doctor or chiropractor. Getting checked gives you and your provider clearer information, so you can focus on feeling better.
You do not have to figure this out alone. Your care team can help you decide what is right for you.
What testing involves
Gentle, non-invasive mobile testing
Braintree brings concussion and TBI testing to provider offices across Florida. Nothing is painful or invasive.
Eye movement
How your eyes track and focus, which can change after a concussion.
Balance
How steady you are, since the brain helps control balance.
Thinking skills
Memory, attention and how quickly you process information.
Brain function
A painless look at brain activity. A physician reviews all results in a diagnostic report for your provider.
How to get tested
Start with someone you already trust
Talk to your provider
Ask your chiropractor, doctor or attorney about concussion testing and request a referral.
We coordinate with them
Testing is arranged through your referring provider, so you do not have to manage the details.
Often at their office
Testing is mobile and often done at your provider's office, anywhere in Florida.
Your provider guides next steps
The physician-reviewed report goes to your provider, who talks with you about your care.
Questions? Call 813-709-3771. Please do not send health details by email. We serve all of Florida: see our service areas.
Questions
Common questions from patients and families
I feel mostly fine. Should I still get checked?
Many people feel okay at first. Concussion symptoms can show up hours or days later, or be easy to brush off as stress or poor sleep. If anything feels off after an accident, fall or blow to the head, it is reasonable to mention it to your doctor or chiropractor.
Is Braintree an emergency service?
No. If you have emergency warning signs, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room first. Braintree's testing is for follow-up care after emergency concerns have been ruled out.
How do I get tested?
Ask your chiropractor, doctor or attorney to refer you. Testing is coordinated through your referring provider and is often done right at their office, anywhere in Florida. You can also call us at 813-709-3771 with questions.
What does the testing involve?
It is non-invasive. It looks at eye movement, balance, thinking skills such as memory and attention, and brain function. A physician reviews the results, and a diagnostic report goes back to your provider.
Who receives my results?
The report goes to the provider who referred you, so they can talk with you about it and decide on next steps in your care.
Do I need to share health details online?
No. There is no online form on this page. If you have questions, call us at 813-709-3771, and talk with your own provider about your symptoms.
Concussion education
Helpful reading
After a crash
Concussion Testing After a Car Accident: What to Know
Why symptoms can appear days later and how testing is arranged.
Lingering symptoms
Concussion Symptoms That Linger: When to Get Tested
Headaches, fog or poor sleep weeks later? Here is what that can mean.
Signs to watch
Concussion After a Crash: Signs to Watch
Common signs to notice in yourself or a loved one after an accident.
Need help? Call 813-709-3771
We're here to support you through this. Call with questions about getting checked or finding care, or ask your provider about testing.