Car Accident? 3 Delayed Injuries To Watch Out For

Car accidents, even minor ones, can result in a whole host of injuries, including broken bones, sprains and internal bleeding. Unfortunately, sometimes symptoms of injuries sustained in a crash don't surface until several days or even a few weeks after the accident. So if you feel fine after having an accident, you're not necessarily out of the woods. You must watch out for signs of hidden injuries by paying attention to delayed symptoms. Be sure to seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms.

Neck Stiffness

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries associated with minor accidents, especially accidents where you're rear-ended by another car. Symptoms of whiplash include neck and shoulder pain along with stiffness or immobility in the neck. Pain in the upper back is also common as are headaches. Sufferers of whiplash may also experience popping or clicking in their jaw when they talk or eat. If you develop any symptoms associated with whiplash, it's vital that you seek treatment right away (perhaps with a chiropractor like those at Contino Chiropractic Center) to heal the soft tissue, bone and joint damage associated with whiplash. 

Abdominal Pain

Symptoms of a slow abdominal bleed may appear hours or days after an accident and will continue to get worse as time passes. Symptoms include abdominal pain, bruising, swelling in the abdomen and dizziness. Untreated bleeding can become life threatening very quickly. Therefore, it's vital to seek medical attention at the first sign of abdominal tenderness. It's also a good idea to go to the hospital after your accident for a full-body scan even if you don't have symptoms. Catching a bleed early can make a huge difference in your recovery and health. 

Personality Changes

Personality changes and changes in neurological function may point to a brain injury, such as swelling or bleeding in the brain. Symptoms of brain injuries also include impaired thinking, depression and problems with vision or hearing. Brain injuries are very serious and may be life threatening. You should always seek immediate medical attention for any changes in cognition or movement that occur hours, days or weeks after an accident. 

As you can see, several types of injuries may not be noticeable right after an accident. You should always monitor your health in the days and weeks following a car accident and report any worrisome symptoms to your doctor. If you have a sudden onset of severe symptoms, go to the emergency room. 

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