Car accidents are often jarring experiences, with immediate aftermaths filled with shock, confusion, and a rush of adrenaline. In the chaotic moments following a collision, it is important to seek medical attention.
However, it’s easy to overlook subtle aches and pains, assuming they are mere aftereffects of the incident. However, not all injuries manifest immediately. Some can take days, weeks, or even months to reveal their full impact on your body.
We have the info you need to keep yourself safe. Let’s go through car wreck injury symptoms to watch out for.
Neck Pain
Neck pain is a very common health symptom that can develop slowly after a car accident, often associated with whiplash. Whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly brought forward and then backwards, causing strain and injury to your neck muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
This type of injury may not present immediate symptoms, with pain and discomfort manifesting days or even weeks after the incident. If your neck pain isn’t treated seriously, you may need to find a second opinion to see if the car wreck caused the injury.
Headaches
While it’s common to dismiss a headache as a minor inconvenience, persistent or worsening headaches following a collision should not be ignored. Headaches accompanied by nausea, dizziness or sensitivity to light are especially concerning.
There is a difference between headaches from a car wreck and your run of the mill headache. Traumatic brain injury’s can be seen with debilitating headaches that can be a sign of a more serious injury like a concussion or post-concussion syndrome. Following up with a neurologist can rule out a TBI or post-concussion syndrome.
These headaches can arise days or even weeks after the accident, signaling more serious injuries such as concussions, whiplash, or even traumatic brain injuries. Headache symptoms can also come up after bike accidents.
Post-traumatic headaches can vary in intensity and type. You might experience tension headaches, which feel like a band tightening around your head, or migraines, characterized by severe, throbbing pain that often comes with nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.
In some cases, that post-wreck headache can be a sign of a blood clot or even brain internal bleeding, conditions that require immediate medical attention.
Abdominal Pain and Swelling
Unlike external injuries that are immediately visible, internal injuries can go unnoticed at first, with symptoms emerging gradually over time. It’s crucial to monitor for any signs of abdominal discomfort following an accident, as they could be indicative of organ damage, internal bleeding, or other serious conditions.
Initially, you might experience mild discomfort or a sense of fullness in the abdomen, which can easily be mistaken for a minor issue. However, if this discomfort progresses to persistent pain or swelling, you need to see a doctor quickly.
Internal bleeding, for example, can present with deep bruising and swelling in the abdominal area. It can also come with symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, or a rapid heartbeat.
Damage to your internal organs like your liver or intestines can cause delayed pain and swelling as the body reacts to the trauma. Such injuries may not cause immediate symptoms but can lead to major complications if not quickly treated. Signs to watch for include localized tenderness, worsening pain, and visible swelling or bruising on the abdomen.
You can also get these injuries from seatbelt compression during the accident. This might include damage to internal organs and soft tissues. Symptoms might develop slowly as inflammation and internal bleeding increase.
Changes in Mood or Behavior
Post-accident mood changes can manifest in various ways, including increased irritability, anxiety, depression, or mood swings. You might find yourself feeling unusually emotional, with heightened sensitivity to stress or a tendency to overreact to minor incidents. These mood shifts can be challenging to manage. They may affect your relationships and daily functioning.
In some cases, these mood and behavior changes can be linked to physical brain injuries sustained during the accident.
Even mild TBIs or concussions can have lasting effects on mental health and cognitive function. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, and sleep disturbances, which can exacerbate mood and behavior changes.
Emotional trauma from the accident itself can also lead to issues like post-traumatic stress disorder. Symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and avoidance of situations that remind you of the accident. This can severely impact your quality of life and may require professional intervention.
Numbness or Tingling
After a car accident, these sensations are frequently felt in the arms, hands, legs, and feet. They can range from mild, intermittent tingling to a constant, severe lack of sensation.
In some cases, these symptoms may be accompanied by pain or muscle weakness, further impacting mobility and daily activities. One common cause of post-accident numbness or tingling is whiplash, where the sudden jerking motion of the neck can lead to nerve compression or damage.
A herniated disc, which occurs when the cushioning discs between the vertebrae in the spine are damaged, can press on nearby nerves and cause these symptoms. Injuries to the spinal cord itself, though less common, can also result in widespread numbness or paralysis.
Different tests (such as X-rays, MRIs, or nerve conduction studies) can help identify nerve damage or spine injuries. Quick diagnosis and treatment are essential to take care of your symptoms effectively and prevent long-term damage.
Muscle Stiffness and Pain
In a car wreck, the impact of the accident can cause your muscles to stretch and tear, leading to inflammation and soreness. This is particularly common in areas such as the neck, shoulders, back, and limbs.
Initially, you might experience only mild discomfort. But as inflammation increases and muscles tighten in response to the injury, stiffness and pain can become more pronounced.
It can also be accompanied by other symptoms such as spasms, tenderness, and swelling in the affected areas. These symptoms can cause problems with your daily activities and may persist if not properly treated.
Physical therapy can help boost your flexibility, strengthen up your muscles, and restore range of motion.
Different medications, like anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants, can reduce pain and inflammation, improving the healing process. In some cases, therapeutic massage and hot or cold therapy may also be recommended to alleviate symptoms.
Keep an Eye Out for These Car Wreck Injury Symptoms Today
These car wreck injury symptoms can turn dangerous if you don’t manage them correctly.
While these injuries can lead to medical bills, they can also lead to loss of quality of life damages. Both can be recovered in a personal injury lawsuit. David Bell Law Firm, with decades of experience, can help maximize your recovery.
Contact us today.
