Getting in an auto accident can be extremely traumatic and costly. Everyone reacts differently to crashes. Along with the mental and emotional trauma that you may suffer after a collision, there is also the physical damage that can be difficult to notice in the aftermath of the crash. While symptoms of whiplash usually present themselves within 24 hours, according to the site Health Line, other physical conditions might not present themselves for several days or weeks. Here are five medical conditions that may appear as a result of a car accident.
Numbness
After a car accident you could start to experience a loss of feeling in your arms and hands. This is an indication that you might have suffered another whiplash injury known as whiplash associated disorder. The loss of sensation in your arms and hands is as a result of your neck or spinal column being damaged. Nearly 20 percent of all people who are in a rear-end collision will develop some symptom of whiplash.
Abdominal Pain and Swelling
If you start to experience abdominal pain or swelling, this could be a sign that you have internal bleeding. You may also experience areas of deep purple bruising along your abdomen, dizziness, and fainting. Internal bleeding can go undetected for hours or days after an accident. It is a life-threatening condition that needs to be treated by trained emergency medical personnel.
Severe Headaches
It is common for a headache to develop several days after you’ve been involved in a car accident. Depending on the severity of the crash, a headache can sometimes signal a potentially dangerous problem. If you are experiencing a headache after a vehicle crash, talk to your doctor and let your car accident lawyers know about the recent change in your medical status.
Changes in Physical Function or Personality
If you notice changes in your physical function or your personality, this could be a sign that you’ve suffered from a traumatic brain injury – signs to watch out for include, impaired thinking or memory, problems with your vision or hearing, difficulties with movement, or changes in your personality or depression. It has been reported that the third overall leading cause of traumatic brain injuries are a result of a car accident, and are the second leading cause of death from traumatic brain injury.
PTSD
Symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder can appear months or even years after the traumatic event, according to WebMD. People living with PTSD often have disturbing and vivid memories of the event, and often suffer from severe nightmares. Many victims report feeling as if the accident is recurring or have near constant flashbacks about the crash. Children are especially susceptible to suffering from PTSD after a car accident.
If you’ve been in a car accident, it is best to seek immediate medical attention, even if you don’t feel like you’ve been injured. Many medical conditions will appear several days after the accident, making it essential to visit your doctor so they can diagnose and treat any potential medical issues that you may be suffering from after your accident.
