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3 subtle symptoms of major injuries after an auto accident

On Behalf of | Oct 12, 2022 | Auto Accident Injuries |

You were recently in a car crash. Initially, the accident didn’t seem all that bad, but over time you started noticing minor health concerns. Even the smallest ache or bruise could be a sign of a serious medical condition.

Minor health issues after an auto accident may be warning signs that you’re suffering from traumatic injuries. Here’s what you should watch for:

  1. Back and neck pain, aches and soreness

Spinal injuries are perhaps some of the most common injuries people suffer from in car crashes. The slightest back or neck pain may be a key indicator that your spine was seriously injured in an accident. There are a few spinal injuries survivors may suffer from:

  • Herniated disk: the spine consists of vertebrae and jelly-like cushions These jelly-like cushions act like shock absorbers for the spine. When these cushions leak, they can put pressure on spinal nerves, in what’s considered a herniated disk.
  • Nerve damage: when the spine is seriously injured, victims can experience extreme nerve damage that may limit their motor control and senses. One such occurrence of nerve damage is paraplegia, which occurs when a victim can’t feel or control the lower half of their body.
  • Whiplash: some car accidents cause drivers to rapidly snap back and forth in their seats. When this happens, victims may experience whiplash. This sudden and extreme movement can put stress and trauma on the spine.
  1. Headaches, dizziness and vision distortion

A victim suffering from a spine injury will likely have some kind of head trauma. People experiencing headaches, dizziness, vision distortion, nausea or memory loss could be suffering from medical conditions such as a concussion, contusion or brain swelling.

Letting these injuries prolong could lead to long-term medical issues such as long-term memory issues, seizures, depression or sleep apnea.

  1. Stress, depression and anxiety

Some car accidents can cause more than just physical injuries. Victims of car accidents may experience stress, depression or anxiety. These may be symptoms of larger mental issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

PTSD is a psychological condition often seen in survivors of war. This mental illness may cause victims to relive traumatic events, setting off their anxiety and depression, creating detachment issues and limiting their functions.

You shouldn’t dismiss injuries in an accident. If you find you’re suffering from major medical conditions after a car crash, you may need to reach out for legal help to know your options.

 

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