Drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians understand the dangers of a motor vehicle mishap. Namely, that they face injury, death and an uphill battle in recovery. However, they also face injury, death and an uphill battle in recovery due to injuries with delayed symptoms.
Hours or even days after being involved in a motor crash, a person may experience delayed injury symptoms that could prove fatal. Imagine walking across the street, getting struck by a car and walking away, seemingly uninjured. However, that night the person dies in his or her sleep due to internal bleeding. Such a narrative proves to be the worst-case scenario.
Head and abdominal pain, personality changes
However, in many cases, a delayed injury symptom results in lingering pain that may take weeks, months or years from which to recover. Here are some of the more common delayed injury signs:
- Back pain: This often occurs after a collision from the rear. The pain usually begins in the lower back. Injuries to the muscles and ligaments are not uncommon, while a more serious injury involved damage to the vertebrate.
- Neck and shoulder pain: This also represents a sign of whiplash often resulting from rear-end crashes. Worsening neck pain leads to a series of medical tests, the wearing of a neck brace and months of recovery.
- Numbness: It is shocking to gradually lose feeling in your arms and hands, which may point to a whiplash injury as well. Numbness also signifies potential nerve damage.
- Worsening headaches, fatigue and dizziness: These serious symptoms usually signify a concussion and even traumatic brain injury. Striking your head on pavement or concrete after a collision may lead to bleeding on the brain.
- Personality changes: This is directly connected to a head injury. Suddenly, a gentle soul transforms into an obnoxious lout. It will take medical treatment and therapy to overcome this situation.
- Abdominal pain and swelling: Bruising to your torso may signify internal bleeding and damage to organs such as the heart, lungs, spleen and liver. You may suffer from fainting spells in this life-threatening situation.
If you have even the slightest inkling that you sustained an injury after a motor vehicle accident, please seek immediate medical treatment. Slight pain may worsen, leading to medical complications that could have long-term consequences on your life.
