Invisible Injuries That Can Develop After an Accident
After a car accident, most individuals know whether or not they have suffered visible injuries such as broken bones and lacerations. However, invisible injuries may not be as noticeable. Brain trauma, internal bleeding, and even whiplash are very real injuries that may not show symptoms immediately. The potential for invisible injuries makes seeing a doctor after a crash critical, even if you feel fine.
Without medical care, an injury can worsen, leading to severe consequences. In addition, prompt treatment will help connect your injury to the accident and provide vital documentation for a personal injury claim.
Invisible Injury #1: Traumatic Brain Injuries
Over 2.8 million traumatic brain injuries occur yearly in the United States. Any type of impact to the head can cause a brain injury. These types of injuries can range from minor concussions to life-changing trauma. Depending on the severity of the condition, head injury victims may experience chronic headaches, memory loss, personality changes, and comatose.
Unfortunately, head injuries are notoriously challenging to diagnose. For one, they are internal, so any signs, such as external bruising or discoloration, may not develop. Similarly, symptoms can take days, weeks, or even months to manifest. However, victims should not wait to seek a medical evaluation until they see signs of injury. Waiting can worsen the condition or cause irreversible harm.
Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms
If you or your loved one has been involved in an auto collision, look for the following signs of head or brain trauma:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Brain fog
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Numbness in limbs
- Partial or complete hearing or vision loss
- Confusion
- Agitation and extreme mood swings
Traumatic brain injuries are diagnosed through several different methods. Clinical assessments such as the Glasgow Coma Scale and neurological examinations evaluate a person’s ability to move and see, as well as their reflexes and cognitive function. Neuroimaging tests such as CT scans, MRIs, and Advanced Imaging use X-ray technology, radio waves, and magnets to identify abnormalities in the skull and brain.
Invisible Injury #2: Spinal Cord Trauma
Nearly 18,000 new spinal cord injury cases surface each year nationwide, with car accidents among the leading causes. Spinal cord injuries occur when any part of the spine becomes damaged, including minor to severe fractures, herniated discs, and whiplash.
Like head trauma, spinal cord damage can be difficult to diagnose without medical intervention. When impact first occurs, spinal shock and severe inflammation can temporarily mask the true severity of the damage. Victims may lack pain in the area for days or weeks, risking a build-up of tension and worsening symptoms.
Because the spine is so central to the rest of the body, damage to this region can have life-changing effects, including partial or complete paralysis. Early intervention is key to identifying any damage and minimizing long-term impact.
Spinal Cord Injury Symptoms
Car accident victims can stay aware of the following indicators of spinal cord trauma:
- Sudden paralysis
- Loss of sensation or tingling in the limbs
- Intense back or neck pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
During an initial evaluation, your doctor may perform a neurological exam to test muscle strength, reflexes, and responses to touch. If concerns persist, an X-ray can identify fractured or dislocated vertebrae. Meanwhile, a CT scan or MRI may be needed to diagnose the condition and determine the best course of action for treatment.
Invisible Injury #3: Chronic Pain Syndrome
Most minor injuries require minimal medical intervention and can be expected to heal within three to six months. Do not ignore any persistent pain lasting beyond the expected healing time. Certain conditions, such as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, or CRPS, and fibromyalgia, can develop over time, causing chronic pain and future complications.
Chronic pain syndromes rarely show up in the immediate aftermath of an accident. Their symptoms may develop slowly and appear as multiple small issues. Unfortunately, this lack of readily identifiable symptoms can lead many individuals to believe that the problem will go away on its own. The effects of these conditions can compound over time, creating ongoing sleep disturbances, mental health problems, and muscle atrophy.
Chronic Pain Symptoms
Be aware of the following signs that can indicate a chronic pain condition:
- Persistent aching, burning, or throbbing pain
- Fatigue, sleep disturbances, and insomnia
- Anxiety, depression, and mood swings
Muscle stiffness and reduced range of motion - Interference with daily work and social activities
To diagnose a specific chronic pain syndrome, your doctor may evaluate your symptoms and use blood tests, X-rays, or MRIs to identify the underlying cause.
Invisible Injury #4: The Emotional Impact
Along with the less apparent physical conditions that occur in a crash, mental health-related injuries are often overlooked. Car accident victims commonly experience post-traumatic stress and other anxiety disorders after the incident. Research shows that motor vehicle accident-related PTSD may affect as many as 7 million people in the United States.
Another common condition that victims experience is amaxophobia, an intense, persistent fear of driving or being a passenger in a vehicle. Keep in mind that mental health disorders do not always stem from the experience itself. The aftereffect of physical restrictions or chronic pain from injuries can also cause poor mental well-being, including depression.
Mental Health Symptoms
Any of the following emotional, physical, or behavioral signs could indicate an underlying condition that requires intervention from a healthcare professional:
- Intrusive thoughts about the accident
- Ongoing or unmanageable anxiety
- Consistent low mood, sadness, or hopelessness
- Lethargy and low energy
- Chronic nightmares
- Social withdrawal
- Rapid heart rate
- Panic attacks
- Feeling detached from reality
- Coping through unhealthy means such as drinking, illicit drug use, or isolation
- Outbursts of anger
- Persistent guilt about the incident, which is common among extreme accident survivors
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed or have a loved one who may be facing mental health challenges, help is readily available. Science-backed support through behavioral therapy, medication, and group counseling can significantly reduce unwanted symptoms and revitalize a person’s quality of life.
Additional Injuries That Go Unseen
A car crash can cause various invisible injuries that are not immediately apparent. Internal bleeding is a major concern after a serious impact. Any type of damage to vital organs can progressively worsen and cause severe complications, including kidney or lung failure.
Victims often experience general symptoms such as lightheadedness or dizziness that they disregard as unrelated. However, you should never ignore changes to your body that occur after a crash. Any and all signs of potential injuries should be documented and reported to a healthcare professional.
The Worsening of Pre-Existing Injuries
Another very real concern is the exacerbation of existing injuries after a wreck, which is especially common with neck and back injuries. When speaking to a doctor following an accident, be sure to mention any conditions that pre-existed the incident, as well as any changes or worsening symptoms.
Why a Complete Diagnosis Is Essential
You should always prioritize medical treatment after a crash. Seeing a doctor promptly ensures that all injuries are identified and that you receive necessary care. Besides minimizing any long-term or permanent damage, medical intervention provides documentation of your injuries.
If you are pursuing a claim after your accident, getting an accurate diagnosis for all injuries is key to ensuring your settlement covers the full scope of your damages. Any injuries or medical treatments left unaccounted for may not be covered, resulting in out-of-pocket costs.
Documenting Invisible Injuries Post-Crash
If your injuries are clearly severe or life-threatening, you should request an ambulance at the accident scene. Otherwise, schedule a doctor’s appointment as soon as possible to receive a full evaluation.
Starting with the accident and throughout treatment, keep a record of your injuries in a symptoms journal. Track your appointments and follow all treatment regimens prescribed to you. Each of these steps helps build a compelling claim that fully reflects the damages you have experienced.
Never Ignore Delayed Injury Symptoms
Invisible injuries after a car accident can be just as serious as visible wounds, yet often go unnoticed until symptoms worsen. Because these conditions may develop slowly or appear days or weeks after a crash, prompt medical evaluation is essential even when you initially feel fine. Early diagnosis not only helps prevent long-term complications but also documents your injuries properly for a personal injury claim.
At The Sanders Law Firm, we get real results for our clients. Let our legal team handle all the legal details of your car accident claim so you can focus on your recovery.
Call (833) SANDERS or contact us online for a free consultation.