Potentially Dangerous Symptoms After a Car Accident

April 13, 2021 Chiropractor, Motor Vehicle Accident 0

Injuries are common after a car accident. Whiplash, back pain, sprains, strains, bruising, and abrasions are among the most common injuries sustained after a motor vehicle accident. Many of these types of injuries will heal with conservative treatments like chiropractic care, therapies, and rest. Other types of injuries are obviously severe and will most likely be taken by ambulance to the hospital immediately. There are some symptoms that could mean a more serious underlying condition but are not so obvious.

Symptoms To Look Out for After a Car Accident

  1. Signs of trauma to the head – Sometimes an accident happens so quickly you’re not sure if you have hit your head. Look for signs of bruising, scrapping, or scratches on your head or face. These could be an indication that you’ve hit your head and need to be evaluated for traumatic brain injuries.
  2. Dizziness, lightheadedness, vertigo, fainting – These symptoms could be a sign of a more dangerous underlying condition. Conditions such as traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding could cause these.
  3. Severe headaches – Headaches are common after an accident, but severe headaches that do not respond to normal treatments could be signs of brain injuries, and are important to be evaluated by a professional.
  4. Bleeding – Sometimes bleeding is not obvious. If you notice you have excessive bleeding, or blood in stool or urine get emergency care right away.
  5. Changes in sight or hearing – Blurred vision or difficulty hearing can be symptoms of brain injuries.
  6. Severe pain – pain can be “normal” after an accident, but severe pain should be evaluated to rule out broken bones, dislocations, spinal injuries, or nerve injuries. 
blurred vision

There are other symptoms that could be potentially dangerous. Listen to the recommendations of the EMT if they show up on site, they are trained in evaluating emergency medical conditions. If you’ve been in an accident and are hesitant to seek treatment, it is always a better idea to seek medical care to rule out severe underlying conditions.