You are driving in Virginia when you suddenly get into a car accident. Afterward, adrenaline can cause you to think that you are okay initially, but it is only later that you start to hurt. Sadly, many injuries could take months to develop, and you only then realize the extent of the injury.
Since many of these injuries slowly develop, keeping track of your symptoms is important. Here are some common injuries with delayed symptoms:
Whiplash
Whiplash occurs when there is a rapid, forceful movement of the neck. Here are some common symptoms:
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Tingling or numbness
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
Whiplash often does not appear until a few days later, and it is important to seek treatment as early as possible. Even though it is common, it can cause life-long problems.
Spinal injury
After a car accident, back pain might seem normal, but it may last much longer than expected or even be a spinal injury. Here are some common symptoms:
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
- Muscle spasms
- Loss of bladder control
- Stiffness
- Problems with balance
A doctor needs to check you out since it can lead to many serious complications if left untreated.
Concussion
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that occurs when your head and brain move rapidly back and forth. Here are some common symptoms:
- Loss of consciousness
- Memory loss
- Blurred vision and dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
Concussions can take time to develop, and it is not necessarily life-threatening. But a doctor should diagnose you and have you receive treatment. It might not seem necessary if you believe it to be a minor concussion, but even multiple concussions can be very dangerous.
Internal bleeding
In a car accident, it is not hard to see why someone might develop internal bleeding, with the possible force of hitting something in the car. Here are some symptoms of internal bleeding:
- Blood in urine or stool
- Abdominal pain
- Difficulty breathing
It can be difficult to notice internal bleeding because of the other injuries one might experience.
Should you see a doctor?
Getting into a car accident is already enough of a headache, so skipping the doctor might seem okay. But it is very important to see one, especially if you have any symptoms and even if those symptoms seem minor.