Auto accidents are horrible experiences, even when they are minor. After an auto accident, your mind may be flooded with thoughts, and your body flooded with adrenaline. Many people move through the hours or days after an accident unaware that they suffered an injury. This can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, or possible complications.
Don’t let the stress of an accident prevent you from getting checked out. Even if your symptoms seem minor or unrelated, it is important to get medical attention as soon as possible. Here are the top 6 most common delayed accident symptoms that every driver should be aware of.
Top 6 Most Common Delayed Accident Symptoms
In the hours or days after an auto accident, you should get medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Headache:After an accident, a headache could be related to stress. But it could also be a sign of a concussion, whiplash, a brain injury, or a blood clot.
- Neck or Shoulder Pain:Neck and shoulder pain could indicate whiplash, muscle or tissue damage, or a spinal cord injury.
- Back Pain: Back pain could indicate several possible injuries, depending on where your pain is located. Most commonly, back pain is the result of a spinal cord injury, ligament injury, nerve damage, or whiplash.
- Abdominal Pain:Abdominal pain could be a sign of internal bleeding, which can be life-threatening. Abdominal pain accompanied by dizziness, fainting, or bruising should not be ignored.
- Numbness:Numbness is most commonly associated with nerve injury to an affected area. It can also result from herniated or “slipped” discs, whiplash, or other neck or spinal cord injuries.
- Emotional Distress or Personality Changes:Don’t underestimate the emotional impact of auto accidents. Many people develop PTSD, and symptoms like memory loss, impaired thinking, or vision impairment could be a sign of a brain injury.