Many people experience problems
thinking, concentrating, and remembering after a car accident. The most common
causes are pain and insomnia. Pain can effect the way our brains process
information. Getting the pain under control with drugs that don't make you feel more
"out of it" is essential. If you already have problems thinking due to
pain, you should stay away from narcotics and muscle relaxers during the day.
Good, restorative sleep is another problem after car accidents. Most patients can't sleep because of pain, but some have problems with nightmares of the accident. This lack of sleep usually leads to problems thinking, concentrating, and remembering. Talk to your doctor about different methods to increase sleep. Here are some ideas:
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Control the pain at night with anti-inflammatories, pain relievers, narcotics, or muscle relaxers.
Another problem that can effect thinking that's sometimes seen after car accidents is depression.
Finally, it's possible to get a bruise on the brain in a car accident. This is most commonly associated with getting hit on the head or knocked out, but it can also happen without those things. Like any bruise, 99% of these heal without any problem. However, in a very small number of people, problems persist. If you feel that all of the things above have been checked and you still have difficulty with thinking, concentrating, and remembering, consult your doctor. He or she may wish to refer you for a neuropsychological evaluation.