Medically reviewed by Austin Jones, DC, DACNB, FABVR, Chiropractic Neurologist — Updated October 2026
Headaches, dizziness and trouble concentrating can make it difficult to feel like yourself after a car accident. These symptoms may appear right away or develop in the days after a crash.
At Complete Care, we evaluate concussion symptoms and other accident-related concerns, then help you understand the next steps.
Depending on your needs, your location doctor may recommend diagnostic testing, imaging, rehabilitation or other services within the Complete Care network.
A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury that can happen after a blow to the head or a sudden jolt. You do not have to lose consciousness to have one.
Symptoms after an accident may include:
An accident can also cause neck pain, numbness, tingling, weakness or pain that travels into an arm or leg. Tell your provider about all your symptoms, even if they do not seem connected. An evaluation can help your care team determine what needs attention.
Your provider will ask about the accident, when your symptoms began and how they affect your daily life.
Your evaluation may include an assessment of your thinking and memory, eye movements, balance, coordination and physical function. Your provider will also consider whether another accident-related injury may be contributing to your symptoms.
Your care plan is based on what the evaluation shows. It may include symptom monitoring, diagnostic testing, rehabilitation, MRI or coordination with another provider. Your team can reassess the plan as you recover.
Concussion screening helps your provider identify symptoms and changes in function after a possible head injury.
Our providers may ask about headaches, dizziness, vision, concentration, sleep, mood and your ability to manage everyday activities.
The findings help guide decisions about further testing, follow-up care or referral when needed.
Some people continue to experience symptoms beyond the first days or weeks after an accident. If headaches, dizziness, balance problems or difficulty concentrating persist, your provider can reassess your symptoms and recommend appropriate next steps.
Complete Care can also coordinate injury care and rehabilitation for related physical injuries.
There is no single test that provides a complete picture of a concussion.
Your provider considers your symptoms, medical history and examination findings when deciding whether additional testing is appropriate.
Diagnostic testing at Complete Care is conducted by licensed providers and interpreted by a Chiropractic Neurologist.
If you feel dizzy or unsteady after an accident, your provider may recommend videonystagmography (VNG). This test records eye movements to help assess the systems involved in balance.
VNG results are considered alongside your symptoms and examination findings. The test does not diagnose a concussion on its own.
An accident may cause nerve-related symptoms alongside a possible concussion.
If you have numbness, tingling, weakness or pain that travels into an arm or leg, your provider may recommend electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction testing (NCV).
These tests evaluate nerve and muscle function and may help identify a separate injury, such as nerve compression or radiculopathy. They are not tests for concussion.
When medically necessary, your provider can coordinate diagnostic imaging within the Complete Care network.
MRI may help evaluate certain accident-related injuries. Specialized MRI techniques, including susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), may be considered in select cases.
Imaging is ordered based on your clinical needs. An MRI result alone does not determine whether you have a concussion. Open or wide-bore MRI and advanced imaging services are available at select locations.
An accident can affect more than one part of your health. Along with headaches or dizziness, you may be dealing with pain, disrupted sleep, anxiety or fear of driving.
Based on your needs, your care team can help coordinate chiropractic care, rehabilitation or other services for related injuries. Complete Care also offers mental health counseling for people experiencing emotional challenges after an accident.
Call 911 or go to an emergency department right away if someone has a worsening headache that does not go away, repeated vomiting, a seizure, slurred speech, new weakness or numbness, increasing confusion, or difficulty waking up after a head injury.
These may be signs of a more serious injury.
For other new or persistent symptoms after a car accident, schedule an evaluation promptly.
If you develop headaches, dizziness, balance problems, confusion, memory difficulties or vision changes after an accident, an evaluation can help determine what care you need.
Tell your provider about neck pain, numbness, tingling or weakness as well so they can consider other possible injuries.
Yes. A sudden jolt can cause a concussion even without a direct blow to the head. A provider can evaluate your symptoms and the circumstances of your accident.
No. Your provider will determine whether imaging is appropriate based on your symptoms and examination. A concussion may be present even when routine imaging does not show an injury.
Recovery varies from person to person. Your provider can monitor your symptoms, discuss your return to everyday activities and recommend further care if symptoms continue.
Complete Care accepts Florida Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance for many patients receiving care after an auto accident. Coverage depends on your policy and the services you need.
Certain MRI and diagnostic services are also available through participating insurance carriers, third-party administrators and authorized referral sources.
Our team can help you review your options. Learn more about payment and insurance.
If you’ve recently been involved in an auto accident and think you may have a concussion, visit one of our 30+ locations across Central Florida, including Brevard, Hillsborough, Pasco or Polk counties.
If you have headaches, dizziness, balance problems or other symptoms after a car accident, Complete Care can evaluate your concerns and help coordinate the care you need.
Call (844) 699-2273 or request an appointment at a location near you.
This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.